94 S500 Won't Start - Please Help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 12-20-2002, 06:47 PM

My 1994 S500 has been having a difficult time starting for the last 3 weeks so I assumed it was the battery. Yesterday it finally quit (ONLY CLICKING SOUNDS) and would not turn over so I took the key out and put it back in - and this time it started slowly. last night I put it on a battery charger and it started easier this morning. I replaced the battery this afternoon and now it won't turn over at all - just the clicking sounds again.

Any advice? Could this be a starter problem and is there anyway I can replace it myself easily?

Ok, now I don't get any clicking noise at all but all the power equipment works fine (new battery), any idea?

mhingram · #2 12-20-2002, 06:58 PM

Brian,
Looks like the alternator is not recharging the battery. When you hear the clicking sound the starter is not getting enough juice. I would check for a drain first to see if something is discharging the battery when the car is sitting. If all is well you can test your alternator output, but the problem is usually the voltage regulator and brushes on the back of the alternator. An easy $25 fix on most earlier models though I am not sure if your car uses the same alternator as mine.
hope this helps.
m

#3 12-20-2002, 08:07 PM

Put a new battery in and still won't do anything. No clicking either. All the power equipment works though. Very confused.

mhingram · #4 12-21-2002, 12:15 AM

Brian,
This is kind of weird, the battery can power everything including opening and closing the sunroof. But as soon as you try to start it the start either clicks or nothing at all and in the earlier cars the lights will dim. Turn the ignition all the way off and back to position II all your electronics will work. It is really annoying I had a similar problem. Take the battery into the shop and get them to test it. Benz starters take alot of juice before the crank. I still think your battery is the problem. However, get your battery tested first, pep boys do this for free out here and is well worth it. Even if it is a new battery it has to have enough juice to crank the starter.
good luck anyone else
m

MB STARS · #5 12-21-2002, 12:40 AM

Check you ground connection you may have bad ground.

#6 12-21-2002, 10:59 AM

This morning I tried again with my brother's car hooked up with jumper cables and still nothing. Does it sound like the starter is dead? If so, should I try hitting it and where would it be?

#7 12-21-2002, 11:14 AM

By the way we also put in a new battery with 850 amps and it doesn't even click now!!

bjcsc · #8 12-21-2002, 11:21 AM

I do not know if this would apply to a MB, but in other vehicles your results would point to the starter solenoid in my experience.

gfdent · #9 12-21-2002, 11:23 AM

I believe you should check your cables. Its not uncommon to have a small current to alow your radio and other small electronics to operate in the car. However, if the cables have a bad connection or corrosion within the cable/cables, you will not receive enough energy to turn your starter motor. Sounds as if you have no current now going to the starter, but before you had clicking sounds to starter. I would check all connection from the battery to the ground and the battery to the starter. Then check any fusible links from the battery to ward the starter motor.

Hope this corrects your problem.

I had this same problem, and the dealer said I needed a battery and altenator. Well I Just replaced the battery before taking it to the dealer, however,when I would move the battery cable (ground side) the car starter motor would turn over and start the car. I knew what the problem was but did not feel like replacing it myself. I ask the dealer not to repair the car, and that I would come to pick the car up later. Well, when I went to pick the car up, I waited for ~ 35 minutes. kept asking where is my car, finally they said they can't get it started. So I go to the back of the shop where I saw three guys working on my car. And to be fair to our expert mechanics, I do believe they were not mechanics but other car care maintenance techs.?? ex: the guys who bring the cars to you when you pick them up, or car detailers, etc....

I move the cable wire and ask one of the guys to turn the ignition. It starts, I go straight to the parts dept purchase a cable (ground) and install it myself. Not that I wanted to do this but I had to. The cable was full of corrosion. Car has been fine for some two years later to date.

mhingram · #10 12-23-2002, 12:06 AM

Brian,
This is usually not a starter issue, but replacing it is not too hard although, I have not done one on your model. I still think it is not enough juice getting to your starter. This is a shot in the dark but sometimes a good whack with a hammer on the solenoid can get your starter going again. If this works then yes you will definately need a new starter. But as I said earlier I still think this a lack of juice. A bad ground cable could definitely cause this as could a bad connection to the starter.
m