Need Help Locating Starter Relay on e320!
 

My 95' e320 wagon had the starter quit working and I'm certain it's not the starter.

It's got a new battery, and I replaced the wiring harness to the starter. It still won't turn over.

It's been suggested that the starter relay may be the issue and I need some good advise here.

Can someone tell me where the starter relay is, whether they believe that may be the problem, and if so how to get to it and take it out for replacement?

Thanks!

I'm not certain on that specific vehicle but might they be referring to the solenoid/relay mounted to the starter itself?

That device is controlled by a light gauge wire that terminates near the heavy gauge usually RED cable from the battery. That solenoid drives the starter gear forward and energizes the starter motor at the same time.

They can be purchased separately or as part of a complete new or rebuilt starter.

Without a wiring diagram I couldn't know if there was a control relay of some sort or another in series with that light gauge wire to the solenoid.

Using a test light test of the light gauge wire is energized when you turn the key to the starter position. If it lights up the problem would be confirmed as the starter solenoid, if it does not light up you've got to figure where and why the starter signal is not being generated of being interrupted.

MB300e65 Have you tried moving the gear selector through its range while holding the key in the crank position? If this makes it crank, its the neutral safety switch.

Also try locking and unlocking each door including the tailgate one at a time then see if it will crank. If it does the alarm immobilizer may be acting up.

The solenoid/relay is on the starter, there is a 3 wire terminal in black plastic on the firewall that you can open and jumper the starter and start the car with the key in the run position. It is on the back of the wall that the brake booster mounts to and is a few inches toward the center of the car from the master cylinder. It is direct to the starter relay/solenoid.

See if this thread helps...try to follow Arthur Dalton's info. He was a very formidable contributor to this forum.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/246642-93-300e-wont-crank-need-help-diagnosing.html

Thanks "Sugar Bear" and "That One", this is great information and I think this should head down the right path to fixing it!

Thanks Sugar Bear! I ran the gear selector through its range while holding the key in the crank position and it started right up!

Sounds like I need a new neutral safety switch!

Check your bushings for the selector rod. One or both could be bad not allowing the switch to engage properly.

Glad it worked. X2 on checking the shifter bushings for excessive wear and the switch could be out of position/adjustment. Do the back up lights work in reverse and does the linkage feel loose?

I'll check it out!