1998 C280 Won't Start
 

Hey Guys...Newbee signing in.
Just have a little problem with my 1998 C280.
I drove it last night and this morning it wont start.
I turned on everything like lights,wiper,radio,fan and it all works at the
same time so maybe its not the battery. Does anybody have an idea of what
might be wrong.
Any help is most definitely appreciated.

THNX!!!!

A weak battery will run that stuff fairly easily, the starter draws far more power. What happens when you try to crank? If nothing happens (nothing dims or slows etc...) then the starter solenoid may be sticking, preventing it from starting.

It won't even crank. If it is the starter solenoid,how will I unstuck it?

Charge the battery for 12 hrs and try again.

Hey I just noticed that you're from N. CA.
I am here too...Roseville.

Thnx for the advice.

You sure it is in Park? Have you tried to move the shifter around to make sure? try to start it in nuetral.

Yes it is in park position,then also tried it in neutral position and still won't start.

Does anything happen when you try to start?? Does it just clik Click? Or try to crank but slowly?? Or just do nothing??

If the battery was weak then everything else would dim or shut off when attempting to crank. If this is not happening then the solenoid is bad, the starter motor has a dead spot (one of ours had this issue) or the ignition switch/neutral safety switch have an issue. I'm voting for the starter solenoid/motor though.

Once I had a problem where a C Class wouldn't start (battery good but no crank). On questioning, I found the driver had locked the trunk with the key. I found the trunk lock was overlocked by about 90 degrees. I turned the lock anticlockwise 90 degrees and then the starter function normally.

Go figure!

Hey guys thank you all for all the tips.
I just installed a new battery and problem solved.
Now, if the new Battery died unexpectedly, what would be the cause?
Is it alternator?

Anyway thanks everyone.
Drive Safe!!!!!!!!!!!!

On your CCU press and hold REST for 5 secs to get into diagnositc mode, then use left or right AUTO buttons and toggle to screen 24. Thats your battery voltage. Should be +13 volts while driving.

"On your CCU press and hold REST for 5 secs to get into diagnositc mode, then use left or right AUTO buttons and toggle to screen 24. Thats your battery voltage. Should be +13 volts while driving. "

Where can I find the complete instruction for the diagnostic mode? Can't find it in the owner's manual. Thanks.