560sl won't start, Help!

[genoreno]

Hey all.
A few days ago I was on my way home around 11pm, and my car began to jerk and the lights began to flash on and off.
I freaked out and pulled over on the shoulder.
As I sat in my car in a daze, smoke began to form under my hood, next thing I know the inside of my car is smoking too.

After the smoked died down I attempted to start the car again.
The engine seemed fine.
Nothing happened when I turned my key in the ignition.
I had to get it towed back to my drive-way and I'm beginning to think if I should just sell the car.

Anyone know what might have happened?
I assume it was a wiring situation? but i could be wrong.

I changed the spark plugs a few weeks ago and even got an oil change, I have no idea what happened that night..

[Roncallo]

Well the first thing to do is look under the hood for burnt wiring. Especially look on the right side inner fender just foward of the mono valve. There is a large main wire comming in from the battery going to a large plastic junction block with a plastic flip up cover. Make sure everything is in tack in this area. If not you must find out why, before proceeding.

John Roncallo

[JFawcett]

lights flashing and smoke....never good.
Agree that you need to check for burned wires and evidence of electrical arcs.........
That is a pretty big problem......I would start with the battery cable coming in from the trunk.......and follow around - anything with the draman mentioned would have to be a pretty big short.

[junqueyardjim]

But it might be a pretty big repair. I would suspect it burned the wiring right to the back of the ignition switch. The wiring should show burn marks and blistering, could also be very melted.