All of a sudden, the engine wont start. I turned on the car, turned it off, went into the house, came back and it did not start. Both keys do the same, they unlock the steering wheel and turn to positions I & II, but when I turn to start the engine, nothing happens. Like if the battery was completely dead. I have checked all the fuses (all ok), battery is fully charged, but still nothing. I am looking at a new EIS?


Thanks in advance for your insights.
2004 C230k 170,000mi
Chula Vista, CA

 

Alarm ?

 

How can I check that? The keys lock and unlock the doors as usual. Is there a way to reset in case the car is in 'immobilized" mode?


Thanks in advance.

 

Can you hear a clicking sound from the starter motor? if so tap it with a hammer and a piece of wood as someone tries to start it up. Look at all the earth straps, one main earth strap is from engine to the body on mine its on the rear of the block to bulk head. Looking like bad earth to me ,the one i am talking about gets a lot of wear ,if it comes away it will stop your engine starting up. Check all the wires on the starter ,look for any loose wires.. Remove as many earth straps as you can clean them up with emery paper and dab some grease on them . But most of all let us know how your doing .I will pop back to this post from time to time. Good luck.
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Many thanks for these tips. I will try and post an update...thanks again.

 

checked all wires and cleaned as many ground connections as I could find. was able to get under the car and checked the wires at the solenoid. There is the 12V getting to the hot wire and ground terminal tested ok. had the wife turn the key while I was testing voltage on the small terminal of the solenoid and I get 11.80 volts. I don't hear any clicking from the solenoid trying to engage so I think I found my problem, The starter needs to be replaced. Any idea of how difficult of a job is it for the DIY?

 

All i can say on this is you have found the problem ,And if you can get to it its half the job .Just remove battery terminals ,before you remove contacts on the starter motor. .Its just removal and refit . I would take it out ,dont buy another incase you can repair the old one .Brushes come to mind ,but if you want take it to be rebuilt.... On the bench put it in the vice then put 12 volts to it see what you find. Good luck .Let us know how you get on please
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not sure if you are still in need of a starter but here are a few to choose from for your application https://www.carpartsdiscount.com/cat...html?3594=1025

 

altobr let us know how you get on ,its nice to know if our help was of any good to ypu...

 

Hello I have the same issue on my c230 coupe but my starter clicks, I've just been push starting it. So should I hit the starter like an old Chevy? How would I jump the starter to see if that's the issue?