1997 S500 will not start. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MarkL · #1 05-09-2002, 03:41 PM

My 1997 S500V will not start. Battery was replaced 1 year ago. Electric power to all interior accessories still work and the power seems fine. When I turn the key, I can hear the starter turning very strong, but the engine will not run. I checked the fuses in the engine compartment and trunk. All looked fine, even the fuel pump 30amp fuse is ok. With the key is position 2, I can hear a faint buzzing sound from the engine. The car was last driven 2 days ago. It only has 15k miles on the odo.

What might be the problem?

What and where should I look at first?

Thanks in advance.

Gilly · #2 05-09-2002, 03:55 PM

Your 2 first 2 basic checks in a case like this should be if it has fuel pressure (need a gauge) and if it has spark, you need to pull one of the coils out to find this out.
There are fuses in the Base module (in the control module box on the right side under the hood) that can cause a no-start if one of the fuses would blow. You can also try using another key, as a bad transponder in the key can cause a no-authorized crank. I'm relatively sure on your car, without DAS authorization, you would get a crank/no start like this, DAS will disable the fuel injection, but the pump would still run. Try a different key first, that's easy enough to try
Gilly

Gilly · #3 05-09-2002, 04:20 PM

Not a real solid answer on the cost, gut reaction is 50 to 100 bucks. Maybe someone will read this shortly and have a good answer on the price, someone who's had to buy one. It does need the key, though, as the battery in the key is only for remote unlocking, has no effect on the transponder in the key. The transponder works like one of these chip things you can use to get gas, or like what they are using on toll roads to pay for the toll without stopping. It uses no power at all. Glad the diagnosis worked. Had that a few times now. If I think that's what it is, I have to tell my boss to call the owner and get the other key in here. the owner always reacts like "what, you LOST my key??!! Hard to convince them the key might be the cause. Brave new world, eh?
Gilly

Gilly · #4 05-09-2002, 04:23 PM

Unsure why my second post is BEFORE your second post, the time stamp is wrong too. Just wanted to also let you know the new key will need to be synchronized, you can do it yourself, just look in the owners manual, in the index in back under "remote control", go to the page that covers remote control.
Gilly @ 3:23pm

MarkL · #5 05-09-2002, 05:19 PM

gillybenztech,

Thank you very much.

Just went into my garage to try with the second master key. Guess what, the car started up. Your thoughts on the key was dead on.

The origional key must have been droped one too many times.

Anyone know how much a replacemet key will cost?

MB STARS · #6 05-09-2002, 11:17 PM

I think is around $130.00,just had one order for my customer last week.It will takes 5 working days to set to code the key.That will mach your current master key (come with remote with fresh battery installed also)

MarkL · #7 05-10-2002, 12:55 AM

MB Stars,

Thanks for the info. If my car needs any service/repair in the future, I will look for your shop.

gillybenztech,

I'm not sure why the time stamp is out of sync. I'm not sure where to change the time setting, to pacific standard time.

Well the car is running fine now with the second key. I treated it to an oil change, with Mobil 1 15w-50 via topsider, and Mann oil filter.