SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG

SL/R129: 96 SL500 Starting Issue

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Old 08-10-2017, 09:20 PM
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1996 SL500, 2002 Land Rover Disco, 2006 Grand Prix
96 SL500 Starting Issue

My car was running fine. I parked it, came in for dinner, went to go out, and it wouldn't start. All the dash lights come on, I can raise/lower the top. The starter does not engage, turn over or click. There is a clicking noise from an area just in front of the firewall, around where the base of the windshield wiper motor. Checked all the fuses, replaced the fuel pump relay, tried disconnecting the negative terminal, tried jump starting it. OBDE not throwing any codes. I'm at wits end. Any help is soooooo appreciated.
Old 08-11-2017, 08:01 AM
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'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Originally Posted by notsob1959
There is a clicking noise from an area just in front of the firewall, around where the base of the windshield wiper motor.
If that clicking coincides with twisting the ignition key to position 3 (engage starter), then no doubt the sound you hear is the starter solenoid. If so, then I would replace the starter; if not, then the "range recognition" signal from the transmission controller (shifter in park, shifter in neutral) might be missing. That is easy to check with a Star Diagnosis computer; without one you have to dig into the console area behind the radio and take a voltage measurement.
Old 08-11-2017, 08:25 PM
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1996 SL500, 2002 Land Rover Disco, 2006 Grand Prix
96 sl500 Starting Issue

Thanks so much. I've ordered a new starter and will let you know how it goes. Much appreciated.

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