Hi Everyone,
I have a 1999 C43 that I bought used 6000 miles ago. Just today, I drove the car in the morning, turned it off, tried to use it again 20 min. later and all it would do is crank. It has the infrared key and I read somewhere in the archives that my problem could be a dying battery key? (I haven't replaced it since I got the car).

What happens is that I turn the key to the "on" position until all the lights come on, then flick the key to the start position (my normal procedure) but the car just cranks and quits. If I leave the car for a few hours, it starts up just fine. WHEN it starts, it runs great and I don't notice anything unusual. Anyone have any suggestions? I want to trust this car again. Thanks so much for the help!

Alex

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

when you are trying to start, does the red and green lights on the rearview mirror alternately flash?

I don't think his C43 has that alarm function. (red/green lights in the rear view mirror)

the 113 V8's had a problem with the crank shaft position sensors. Usual symtpoms were from hot engines -when idling at high temps vehicle would shudder then quit, or when vehicle was hot, turned off and then would not restart. If the vehicle starts fine when cold, runs great, and you have no codes -you may need to start with a crank sensor.
BEST GUESS for me.

The Key batteries have nothing to do with starting, only remote functions. You can take the batteries out and still start the car.

i believe you are correct, i was thinking of the earlier 202 chassis,

Crank shaft position sensors sound expensive. You're right though, I don't have the red and green lights (I don't think, I will double check though).

Keep the ideas coming. I will feed the crank shaft sensor idea to my mechanic.

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1983 300D (parked for four years)
2012 VW Sportwagen TDI Manual
2001 Miata SE
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Rampside

Your ignition system does not use the battery in the key. That is only for locking/unlocking functions.

If the engine fires, and then dies right away, that is the classic symptom of the Electronic Ignition Switch or SmartKey failure.

In your case, your problem does sound like the very common crank position sensor.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

See this recent thread.

Good Luck!

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-Paul-
'01 E430, Sport 72,000 mi
'98 C280, 126,500 mi