I have a strange one. It happened a couple of time in the last 2 days. I parked the car, everything seems normal, but when I return in a few minutes time, the car won't even start - it does not even crank. The LED lights up as usual.

After a minute or two again, it starts and runs with no problem.

Michael
Australia
(I don't know what to do with myself if I don't have a mercedes or a glass of nice wine anymore)

Might be the ignition switch??

What's the "LED"?? What year and model -- Coupe, 4door?

Check my page (red house) for some diagnostice tips for the 140.

Thanks. I will look at it.

Neutral start cutout switch may be starting to head south. When it refuses to start, move the shifter from park to neutral, you know, stir it around. If this brings it back to life, you've targeted thre problem..

Guess what. I just had the same problem agian and I switch the gear stick as suggested and immediately the problem solved.

How much is a netual start switch - is it hard to replace?

Regards,
Michael Tse

Are you good at DYI? It's about 2 and 1/2 wrenchs degree of difficulty. Price, check Fast Lane here, about $25-$30. Will need to raise car, disconnect shifter linkage, remove old switch, reinstall new and align for proper operation. It's not rocket science, but the clearances are tight.

Jeff,

Well, it does sound like more than I can imagine. I think I better give it back to the dealer.

Will the workaround of shifting the gear last long? Or should I get the car to the dealer ASAP?

Thanks
Michael Tse

I had the same problem on my jeep, and I managed to get it to last for about 2 years before I fixed it, but it was an annoyance that I was so relieved was gone after I had it fixed.

I would say if you don't want to be annoyed with it, or perhaps get stuck one day, get it fixed.

Alon

Agreed. When mine quit, it left me stranded. Stirring the shifter will work for a very short time. It will only get worse.

HELP HELP

I just tried to start again and it will not start. No matter how I shift the gear. Is there something I can do now?

Michael

WOW... talk about a short time. Michael, get it replaced ASAP. But for now, stop trying, leave it in park, go in the house, have a beer, watch a movie and forget about it. Try it once in the morning, and, if it starts, drive it right to your tech. You can bypass the contacts in the connector plug, but I don't think you'll be trying that tonite. Good luck..

Guess what! I took the car to the dealer this morning, and they just rang me and said it was the starter motor is not good.

Well, now I have to wait for another day before they can fix it for me.

It is suprising the starter motor has such a short life. My 380SEL is still having the original starter motor in it.

Anyway, at least we know what is wrong.

Thanks for all the help anyway...

Regards,
Michael Tse

You took it to the dealer? Does that mean it started? If it did, I can't imagine how your starter motor is declared DOA. I would be suspicious. Is it a Benz dealer? Ask to see the part they replaced. Ask what part of the starter failed, the motor or the solenoid. Ask questions Michael..I could be wrong, but I don't think it's the starter. I need to shut up now..