Our 1993 W124 500E won't even crank-over.

When I turn the ignition switch, everything has power, lights works, gauges
work, fuel-pumps start whirring, but nothing at the starter.

No sound of a solenoid clicking. Battery fully-charged, lights don't even dim
when attempting to crank. I measure 13.3 VDC at the B+ distribution block. I moved the tranny lever to Neutral and up & down to see if its is the neutral safety switch, but I'm not sure how to "jumper"/bypass this switch.

What's the test procedure and points/areas to check for voltage to the starter ?

I found a 3-pole connector near the CAN/LH electronics, which supposedly goes between the ignition switch and starter solenoid, but I don't know how or what leads to test for voltage.

The factory CD-ROM is poor here.

BTW: 3-months ago, I replaced the ignition tumbler, switch, and locking assembly with NEW MB OE parts.

TIA,
:-( neil

The 1993 -95 cars have a starter lock-out relay(anti-theft).

The alarm module sends ground signal to that relay(K38).
The relay gets power from fuse "B".

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Yes, I tested that starter-lockout relay behind the instrument cluster, and it's working.

Since I can't get a test lead onto the starter, I believe there is a connector that I can "tap" into and test, that is between the solenoid/starter and the harness.

Is this the connector with 3-poles and is under the ABS wheel-sensor connector that is located on the back of the LH/ABS/ASR electronics box (passenger side in USA) ?

If so, I see three wires, Violet/White, and Brown/Black, and Brown/can't remember.

How/which ones do I test and what am I looking for ?

TIA,

:-) neil

94 e320 won't start...weird problem

From the thread above. On the 500e the starter motor test will be a bit more difficult since the battery is in the trunk. There is a 3 prong connector near the brake booster/reservoir...

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Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

I have verified that the 3-prong connector on the 500E is NOT located near the brake booster, but mounted on the back of the LH/CAN electronics box, and under the ABS wheel sensor.

Otherwise, that link provides me the diagnostics needed.

Thanks,
:-) neil

That cut/paste diagnostics test was written by me and it was a posting for a 124.032 , E320 chassis specific.
Be very careful when jumping 12V battery power on any electronics as you can very easily cost yourself some shorted expensive parts.
When I post a test procedure for a specific model, I would prefer people don't cut/paste that info for diagnostics on a different model, as the assumption they are the same is a cause for concern.

As you have the CD , go to starter circuit schematic and you will see the starter lock-out series chain..
If you do not find it , I will look it up for your specific chassis.

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