240D won't crank??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Majorbman · #1 03-26-2009, 11:47 AM

I drove my 240D last night and it ran perfect. I got up this morning and the head lights when on bright and the vehicle would not crank. So I put a jumper cable from the engine block to the vehicle fame. Still no crank. So I pulled the started out. And wouldn't you just know it check out at the starter shop.

When I turned the key the vehicle makes a soft chick sound. Sounds like maybe the solenoid maybe making the noise??? I have not gotten the starter back for the rebuilder who was going to disassemble the starter and make sure everything was ok.

Does anybody have any ideas of other things it maybe???

Ian White · #2 03-26-2009, 01:06 PM

Is is a stick or automatic? could be neutral safety switch if its a stick. Once when I rolled up on the scene of an accident I hastily shut off my engine and aplied the park brake when I went to get in and leave It wouldnt start, I couldn't figure out what the problem was it wouldnt even click. I finally looked down at the pitch black center console and found it was still in drive.

Might be worth a try

Ian

holtonmusicman · #3 03-26-2009, 01:14 PM

Start with the simplest first.

How are the cables? Not just up at the battery, but as they go down to the starter and ground. Are they cracked, worn or otherwise in need of replacement?

How are the connections from the switch? Have you checked for shorts or bare spots in any of these wires?

To and from the soleniod?

I have also seen instances where the starter motor is not grounded well (excessive oil, loose starter motor).

Did you check to make sure the battery was fully charged?

Did the lights dim when you started cranking?

moon161 · #4 03-26-2009, 01:24 PM

Stuck solenoid? Smack it before you try it again. If you're blessed with an incline, there's always the gravity start.

LUVMBDiesels · #5 03-26-2009, 02:14 PM

I second the stuck solenoid theory. If the lights are bright and the starter is clicking, try this. Take a broomstick or metal pipe. Put it against the solenoid and then whack it with a hammer. If the car then starts you have found the problem and can start putting away $$ for a new starter...