2000 SLK230. Sometimes when you turn the key to start the car (particularly when the car is warmed up), you can bump the starter and let go of the key, the starter will continue to crank, but the engine does not start. It will continue to crank by it's self until you turn to key OFF. Then usually and the 2nd try, the car will start like normal. It does this with both the remote key and the spare key (we dont have a valet key) [&:].
What could cause this??
Thanks.
Ron

 

Last time I had those symptoms, it was the beginning of the end of my crank position sensor.

 

Starter is meant to crank automatically for 8 seconds on its own unless engine starts.

Bazzle

 

Bazzle,
Thanks, I was hoping it was nota sign of future problems. It IS just unusual to hear the car crank with your hands off the key.
Ron.

 

Not on this car! Sometimes I just start it cranking, release the key and let it turn until it starts. Then I get into another car and feel dumb because I actually have to hold the key :-(

Avery