-85 380 SL Starting (acts dead) Problem

[tullheinz]

Car generally starts and runs very well ( only has 75k miles). Occasionally after a drive and stop, car will not start - acts as if totally dead. No clicks or any sounds as key is turned in ignition switch, no starter turning, etc. Problem can be solved by disconnecting and reconnecting battery. What component is likely source of failure. Igition switch, transmition switch, starting relay, ????? Diagnosing advice very much appreciated. Thanks.

[meltedpanda]

ground from battery

[RadioTek]

Check cables for bad grounds and poor connections. Go through the major wiring with appropriate tools (screwdrivers, nutdrivers, and wrenches) and loosen connectors then tighten back up. this will break loose corrosion and let you make new contact points. You may also find a poor connection.

As an aside, I would check the ignition switch itself. It is actually 3 main pieces: The lock cylinder, the steering wheel immobilizer assembly, and the ignition switch. I had a similar failure, but instead of being 'resettable', it failed completely. It turned out to be that the switch had come apart.

As with any advice given under these circumstances; Your Mileage May Vary. Since I'm 'not there', anything I say is a Wild Guess.

Remember, it's not just a car, it's an Adventure.

Scott

[meltedpanda]

haha - Scott - I like your disclaimer,

[samonline]

Originally Posted by tullheinz

Car generally starts and runs very well ( only has 75k miles). Occasionally after a drive and stop, car will not start - acts as if totally dead. No clicks or any sounds as key is turned in ignition switch, no starter turning, etc. Problem can be solved by disconnecting and reconnecting battery. What component is likely source of failure. Igition switch, transmition switch, starting relay, ????? Diagnosing advice very much appreciated. Thanks.

Check the OVP relay , just in case the fuse is bad....

[RadioTek]

I've been a tech too long to give absolute answers unless I KNOW what's up. Even then I only guarantee restoration before the beginning of the next Ice Age.

The times someone says "That's the problem", it's always something else.

But the "Voyage of Discovery" can be fun.

[meltedpanda]

I would agree with that

[tullheinz]

Thanks for all the good advice. Will check some of the referenced components and then go through the wiring.