Hello all, hope someone can help with this. 1998 C280. New transmission just put in. Drove car for 2 weeks. Then it would not start. Sometimes it sdoes and sometimes it doesn't. Last time had this problem replaced battery and start relay I believe. Insert key, turn and you hear click click click sometimes the car will start and sometimes it does not. When it does start it starts with plenty of turning power. Car runs beautiful otherwise. Any help would be appreciated. Vin: WDBHA29GOWF684757

I can only suggest starting with the obvious, if the transmission was replaced I think most technicians might disconnect the power supply. Check your battery connections!

battery connections checked good voltage and when car does start good cranking power.

On the outside of the vehicle, in the area beneath the drivers foot-well there is an electrical connection for the starter motor. This is the start motors main connection to the battery. It is possible that this connection may be causing an intermittent restriction in current flow due to corrosion. Disconnect your cars battery on the ground cable side, remove all the wires at this foot-well connecter block. Wire brush the terminals so they are clean and bright afterward reconnect the wires to the terminal block. (You may find that a 1/4” drive ratchet may be best for this repair).

SPECIAL NOTE: Do not over tighten wire connections! I mention this because I believe everybody wishes to avoid unwanted down time waiting for new parts.

Reconnect your battery ground cable then recode your radio.

the click click click noise you hear is probably the starter motor not engaging properly, (if the battery is connected properly and fully charged) the clicking is common in the UK, we normally hit the starter with a screw driver handle and "hey presto" it engages, it does mean that sometime soon you may need to replace it!!

MB service bulletin on that problem! Starter/ring gear interference problem.

MB offer a special non-metalic lubricant for the starter ring gear!

MB work instructions info is AF15.30-P-6405A.

A little dab on each & every tooth of the ring gear is required.

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