'96 W210 E320, no start
 

Fairly new to me, only driven it 100 miles... Started fine up until it didn't. Only code I can find is P0400, which I was getting around to... I have injector pulse, haven't checked spark yet but it definitely wont start. I should mention that the key switch won't automatically rotate to run or start every time, 224K on this thing.

If the Crank Position Sensor is bad, wouldnt I get a code?


TIA

GMy experience that CPS failures start by car shutting off after it has gotten up to temp and then starting/running after cooling down. Cranks/runs again til CPS quits from heat again.

Did you try starting in neutral? You got another key you can try?

Other key? Damn...
 

I have a second key, didn't think about trying it instead... Excellent thought, thanks.

I Did try it in Neutral, no change.

If you have injector pulse you have a crank sensor signal. Look towards no power at the ignition coils / no fuel pump.

Fuel pump would work, believe it or not.

Weird fix- Second, less-worn key was the answer; I assume the coils werent' being powered?

In a perfect world, I would replace the ignition switch and keys, but...

I buy duracell key batteries at Wal Mart,they last longer than dealers.Changing ignition switch was a breeze.

This car uses a metal key without a RFID tag so swapping keys does nothing if you get them to turn. RE the original problem still exists. ( RFID started in 97 )

The battery in the key is for the remote lock only. Even the later smart key does not require a battery to function in the ignition.

The ignition switch ( the electrical part not the key part ) could be failing and causing the no spring back. Pull the sw off the column and see if stuff turns.

I'd have to see a wiring diagram to determine if the ignition coils / injectors ECU are on the same or separate sw contact. RE if they are all on the same contact and you have inj pulse, the other are being fed from the sw.

Neutral / Park is a non issue if the car is cranking. The neutral safety sw prevents cranking only. The alarm system on this car should be a starter interrupt only but don't quote me on that.