Hello, I own a 2011 GL450 that has started to give me trouble starting. The symptom is that nothing happens when the key is turned. After turning on the radio or lights, it usually starts, but sometimes it takes 5, 10, 15, 20 tries before it starts.

We thought the cold, or the damp weather was to blame, but it's now warm and we still have the problem.


Any help would be appreciated HUGELY

 

When it does start does it crank weakly or normal?


First I would check all the connections between the battery and the starter including grounds.

 

When it finally 'connects' it starts as if the battery is brand new. So it goes from nothing, to full power and always starts on the first crank.

 

Bad connection (somewhere), bad starter, or bad switch (less likely as the starter is actually controlled by the cars processor and not the switch directly.)


Connections are cheapest fix, after that I would move to the starter.

 

very common problem on the ML and GL..you need a new EIS / ignition switch. MB will probably find a code in the system for circuit 50 detection.

 

great guys, i'll try both of these things this week.

Thanks You