No start on 1985 TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300TD · #1 11-03-2004, 12:08 PM

I got in the car this morning to go to work and all the car did was click. All lights, glow, etc. are working. The starter did not even engage. I have had no problem until now. I installed a new battery last winter during the very cold snap we had.

When I get home, I will put the charger on to and see if the battery is weak. If the car starts on the boost circuit, then I guess the alternator is NG. If it still does not start, I could use some ideas on where to look next. (relays, fuses, etc.) Thanks for any help or clues on where to look.

acastell · #2 11-03-2004, 12:37 PM

Same symptoms I experienced a few months back (all power worked but the car simply clicked when I turned the key) My starter was failing. The advice from the board was to bang on the strater when someone turns the key.

I used a broom stick and rapped on the starter while my wigfe turned the key...worked like a charm!

Good luck

AC

bill murrow · #3 11-03-2004, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acastell

Same symptoms I experienced a few months back (all power worked but the car simply clicked when I turned the key) My starter was failing. The advice from the board was to bang on the strater when someone turns the key.

I used a broom stick and rapped on the starter while my wigfe turned the key...worked like a charm!

Good luck

AC

You're the guy from Anaheim I believe. I spoke to you on the phone and my guess was wrong.

You had to go to the stealership to get it fixed because you were on vaca at Disney if recall correctly. And your wife--blah blah blah-had to take that car-blah blah blah...ha-you got home fine now didn't ya?

What did they wind up charging you?

Cheers,

Bill

#4 11-03-2004, 09:49 PM

Another thing you might look into is your key ignition switch! I have had the same thing happen on two of my benzs. Seems MB ignition switches are tender. It's easy to confirm this by carefully jumping the starter motor with a short screwdriver connecting the positive lead wire to the starter drive solinoid wire. Just be damn careful if you do. I think on the 617 you have to do it from under the car!

acastell · #5 11-04-2004, 01:20 AM

Hey Bill...yes, that is me! The dealer charged me 475 to replace the starter, ouch! The car has been flawless since. My wife is now back on board with my 240D as I explained that a starter is a wear and tear item...I told her that getting mad at a car with a bad starter is like getting mad at a car with bad brakes or a flat tire.

Thanks again,
Anthony

bill murrow · #6 11-04-2004, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acastell

Hey Bill...yes, that is me! The dealer charged me 475 to replace the starter, ouch! The car has been flawless since. My wife is now back on board with my 240D as I explained that a starter is a wear and tear item...I told her that getting mad at a car with a bad starter is like getting mad at a car with bad brakes or a flat tire.

Thanks again,
Anthony

I'm sure you'll have a starter for many years to come. 475 though...ouch is right. but i bet the disney tickets were more than that and those tickets only lasted days

glad your wife is settled back down--when I spoke to you it sounded like she was a bigger problem than your car troubles.

Good to hear from ya...

Cheers,

Bill

300TD · #7 11-17-2004, 08:27 PM

Thanks for the help. I took a piece of 1" stock, set it on the starter and gave it a few whacks and the car starts again. These 'tools' are in the back of the car just in case.

In the mean time, I purchased a new starter and I will have it installed. I could not get the upper bolt out and I tried for several hours until my arms no longer worked. Sometimes you need to have someone else smash their knuckles.