I have a '99 slk 230 that won't start. I have read all of the similar posts & they were not the same symptoms. It was sporadic for a the last month or two & now won't start. All of the normaldashLights come on then nothing. I replaced the battery with a new one, needed replacement but still no change- same symptoms.

Any ideas? Starter solenoid a consideration? Other ideas?

 

Crankshaft position sensor....

 

yes, sound like your crankshaft sensor going bad.

 

or it could be they fuel relay going bad. Check fuel pressure at the rail with a fuel pressure gauge.

 

Thank you very much for your responses! They are greatly appreciated. Theseare 2 areas completely different than where I was heading. I assumed Solenoid & or starter. Now after a week or so of no starts It started right up the last 2 days....I am sure it will startacting up again.

Concerning the crankshaft sensor, anyrecommended ways to check that? Would a possible test be...when it doesn't start to push it in 2nd pop the clutch & see if that helps to alleviate the problem? If so, then probable culprit?

One additional question regarding the Fuel relay sensor idea. If it is not working properly that could cause it not to so much as even turn over?? Dash lights come on then nothing.

Thanks again, as I really cannot afford exploratoryreplacement of everything by thedealer to seewhat might work.

 

Hi Duffer,
How did you sort out that SLK won't start problem?
Mine is doing the same thing - all the little lights come on, but no engine turnover.
Could be the crank sensor, (wherever that is) - I was assuming some immobiliser problem...
Sean

 

Mine also wouldn't start at the first attempt. I had to restart over and over again. This problem started about 3 days ago after having been driving about a month.

My knowledge about mechanism is litterally at the bottom. I am just lucky to have my SLK..

Thank you for any of your help,

J

 

I am also having the exact same problem with my 2000 E320. Sometimes it will start, sometimes it will not. Can someone post a picture of where the fuel relay is.
Thank you.

 

If your car does this, the problem is going to be in the starter, starter relay or possibly in the neutral/park or sensor that makes sure you have can't start the car in gear. Your battery could also be very low, but you probably hear some clicking noises at least.

If the fuel relay sensor is bad, the engine will crank over when the key is turned, but may not start up and stay running. (Big difference in the symptoms here...)

 

Same symptoms with my car, Randomly wont start, lights on dash etc then nothing, as if car isnt in Park. Any clues? Would Crank angle sensor fault stop car from even turning over?