Help with SL60 starting problem please
 

Hi, I need some help with a starting problem with an SL60.

Intermittently, about once or twice a month, when the key is turned there is no response at all.

No clicking, no dash lamp dimming, no attempt from the starter motor, just nothing.

Wiggling the gear selector or key doesn’t help and never has.

Sometimes it will go on the next try; sometimes it takes 6 or 8 tries.

The local shop are no help, as it won’t do it when they have it with them.

Any ideas please ????????

Graham

intermittent no-starter
 

I can think of a few things:
1) If the car is new enough (96+ I think), then the transponder in the key is not being read intermittently, possibly?
2) Obviously, if the starter is intermittently bad - which does happen.
3) The starter lock-out relay is faulty at times
4) Or the alarm module is not sending the ground signal to the starter lockout relay it needs to activate the starter.
5) bad connections at starter

If I were working on the car and could not get the problem to occur with me at the shop, I would ask you if I could temporarily install a small light that you could see from inside the car when you were trying to start the engine. Then when the car failed to start, you could tell me if the light came on (meaning the starter had power to it) or did not come on. I would make up a 2 wire harness to a small LED or bulb socket, of course routing it away from anything it could short to, that was tucked under the hood rear edge and could be seen by the driver. One wire to ground and the other to the starter input wire.

If the light came on in the start position and the starter did not engage = bad starter

If the light doesn't come on, then the problem gets more involved.

These are my ideas, hope they make sense, let us know what you find.

PS- I'll be over to your side if the world the end of the month, visiting friends in Devon area. Love going to the UK !

MBMedic,
But if absolutely NOTHING happens when he turns on the ignition (no lights, power, anything), then wouldn't it be more than a starter problem? As though the entire car is not getting power?
I had the same problem with my Mercedes. The problem lingered for about 2 weeks, until I decided to tighten the wires that lead to the battery. Solved the problem instantly and problem has not occurred since.
GOod luck.