380sl wont start
 

I took my 85 380SL out to a store yesterday. Ran great as always! Came out of the store and now it wont start. Im new at MB so any help is appreciated. Seem to have gas. It's now pushed into the garage awaiting my attention.

Most common cause of a sudden no-start is the fuel pump relay. Lots of posts on how to test - try a search.

If the relay gambit doesn't work (I keep one in my glove box, just in case) you might try checking the fuses. They will probably not be blown, but if original, they tend to get slight corrosion (aluminum fuse conductor against brass fuse box contacts) which can result in intermittant failures. I had heard of this but was skeptical about it until my SL failed to start for me in a parking lot. Lots of fruitless component trouble shooting led to the fuses. (Don't ask why we didn't start with the fuses...go figure) Replaced them all with good brass contact ceramic fuses and no trouble since. Changed every fuse in all my old MBs as a precaution.

FWIW,

230/8

i will check the fuses 1st, being the most inexpensive solution. Where is the relay located? I had an 86 300e and it was easy to spot. this car i didnt see any. if these two dont work i will check the fuel problem. i did seem to have gas & no spark.:furious2:

Looks like the relay should be located behind the glove box. I believe you remove the glove box insert to get access. If I am mistaken someone will chime in quickly.

230/8

i took the glove box liner out and found it. now i need to figure out how to test it. it has six pins

If you did seem to have gas and no spark, I'd try looking at the ignition control module.

They also get alot of dry joints do a search on this forum under my postings as I have listed which component areas and how to look for them.

Regards

Damian

My '82SL did the same thing - drove home fine - would not start the next time. It was the ICU. Replaced it with a $50.00 used unit. Has run fine ever since - about 5 yrs.

i replaced the fuel pump relay, it still wont start. where is the icu and do you think it is that???

have a good holiday everyone :behead:

I think you should check for spark first, before you go replacing expensive ignition components.

will do in the morning and i will post what i find. thanks to everyone for the input.