gdmarques@cox.n

Yesterday I got in my '92 500SL after driving for about 30 minutes and then stopping for a coffee and when I tuned the key all the lights came on and the buzzer sounded, but no starter. I tried about 6-10 times, sat there for about 2 minutes pissed off, and then I tried again and it started with no problem. I have started it about 10 times since and the problem has not repeated. Anybody got any ideas?

b4mmy

This happened to me in my fto once. It's possible that you didn't have the car fully in park. Normally you wouldn't be able to turn the key at all, but a little out you can turn it and yet will not allow contact. I spotted it straight away, as I fiddled with everything to see what the problem could be.

gdmarques@cox.n

Thanks. I thought about that too because the same thing happened to me in my 1990 XJS. I did play around with the gear selector and that didn't seem to fix it, but eventually it did start....

My service software indicates that possibly the relay for the security system may have been malfuntioning. I don't have the infrared remotes for the car, so I don't know how to arm/disarm the system or if it even exists on the car!

ChrisB

If you did not take the keys out of the car when you stopped ... it is possible that in shutting the car off the key did not get turned counter clockwise all the way to the to the 0 position.

For some reason the car is designed and built so that it will not start (I mean turn over at all ... just like it is dead) if when shutting off the car the key is not returned to 0 position before restarting the car.

This can easily happen at gas stations when you shut the car off but want to keep the sterio going.

It is written up in the operators manual that way.

gdmarques@cox.n

I did take the keys out, but you have me wondering if maybe i didn't turn it all the way back and the keys were able to slip out anyway. I'll have to try that tomorrow and will post back.

elau

That happened to me today!!!

Turned the key, all lights came on but the car won't turn.

Guess what!! It was a simple fix for me. It was the fuse. Yes, the fuse. It may look fine but there is no contact. I wiggle all the fuses to make sure a solid contact. Car started right up. Problem fixed.

The fuses with a letter are the ones relating to starting and other major controls. Those are the ones you need to wiggle. Sometimes built up between the fuse and the contact prevents the juice from going through and hence no start.

gdmarques@cox.n

Thanks. I will check that out. When I first got my car I was really surprised to see those cheap plastic fuses. I don't know why the Germans use those things, they always corrode and lose good contact. The last car I had that used those fuses was a 1974 VW Dasher. The fuses were always a problem.

Good lead. I'll check them out when I get home from work tonight. Thanks!

gdmarques@cox.n

My '92 500SL is still doing that thing once in awhile where I turn the key and all the lights and buzzers come on but the starter does nothing. I've checked the fuses and that isn't the problem. My Merc tech software says this is a common complaint and advises the service tech to yank out the starter and clean and grease the gears. Anyone have to do this before? I guess it makes sense if the solonoid can't kick out the gear because it is sticking, but I've never had this type of failure on any other car before. Is it hard to get out the starter on these cars?

Floobydust

Before you go spending money on removing the starter, try this. Next time you get "nothing" when you turn the key, immediately turn on the interior light and/or map light (the switches above the mirror). Try to start it again while watching the interior/map lights. If they dim, but don't go out, when the key is turned to "start" position, it is likely to be something to do with the starter or starter solenoid. The lights dim because the stuck starter/solenoid draws a great deal of current so the battery voltage drops. If they go out altogether, check the battery and/or battery cable connections. If they stay on at nearly the same brightness, look to either the starter switch itself (the electrical switch is a separate part from the mechanical keylock portion) or the wiring /controller in the starter circuit (this is where the fuse comes in).

Hope this is helpful.

- FD

elau

Wow, this post comes just in time.

My R129 had another no start episode. And I changed out all fuses and still no start. I am scheduled to have the car tow tomorrow to the dealer.

I am now convinced that the problem is my starter switch but will do a quick check tonight when I get home from work.

Had Road Side Assistance came to the house. The mechanic suspected my stater gear was stuck as you mentioned and he tapped the starter attempting to get it turned. It won't start and after I wiggled a few fuses and that was how it started this last time.

Try this. To test if your starter switch is faulty, have your steering column moved around a bit while trying to start. If the car starts up, it is an indication of a worn starter switch.

elau

BTW, I have the instruction to replace the starter switch if you like. I look at the instruction and decide it will not be to my benefits to attempt a DIY. Members from other forum had attempt to fix the unit themselves, but the complexity of the process convinces me it's best to leave that to the professional.

elau

OK, car still not in shop. I decided to check the battery just to be sure even it has juice to light up my cluster. This is what I noticed, I have no map lights. They won't turn on, but foot and door-sill lights are on.

Each cell in the the battery required 240 cc of water. The battery was purchased on 5/19/01. So it is a 5-year old battery and the car is driven less than 3K miles each year. I have all cells topped off and being trickle charged as I write this. Hope the no start is caused by the battery instead of other expensive gadget.

Will keep you all posted.

Bigdot

this has happended to me B4,


ok, so you get into your car and you put the key in and the lights and everything comes on, but it wont start.

get out, lock and unlock it.

get back in, it will start! almost garente it!

try it.,

because when the car is locked, it wont start, but it will let you put the key to the second position. so just try it.

LeaUK

It's the ignition starter switch and it's a DIY job. Just finished my replacement today - took 2 hours with several cups of tea on route ;-)

Tips for starting:

1. Assuming you're stuck and starter isn't turing in position 3, hold in position 3 (start) and move steering column up/down/in/out fully

2. Watch the car start

3. Well not always, but if it does you need a new switch.

Cost around 60GBP and 2 hours labour.

Enjoy

BTW - Tomorrow I'll make a detailed and updated post on another forum:

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforu...d.php?t=145316

gdmarques@cox.n

I will have to wait until it happens again and then I will try all of the suggestions. Thanks! I'll keep you posted!

elau

Car is still charging. So far, the map lights came back on. Will let the car charge for over night as the red light indicator of the trickle charger is still on.

Hope the map lights is a good indication that my battery is the culprit.

Earlier, I tried to move the steering up/down/extend and still no start. But that was before I found the low water level in the battery.

Will keep you all posted.

LeaUK

elau

If it was the batt I would expect the lights to dim significantly when you engage position three, do they?

Stick your head in the bonnet and ask someone to turn to pos three, listen for the solenoid, can you hear it engage?

Lea

rnass1980SL

When I turn the key on the 1980 350SL, the lights come on, but the starter is silent. If I move the gear shift around, that solves the problem. Sometimes on the first try, sometimes not. Suggestions?