Rat-a-tat-tat: Won't Start . . . - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 02-24-2004, 05:40 PM

Gents (or Ladies) -- Need help. Have had to jump start my car the past 2 evenings.

* Turn the ignition key and a hear fast clicking coming from the engine compartment.
* All other electricals work fine (radio, headlights, interior lights, warning lights, etc.)
* Car driven only on weekends, but kept on a "Battery Tender". Never driven in rain or if the streets are wet.
* First evening after jump starting, drove the car approx 30-minutes, brought into the garage and hooked up the Battery Tender (did not try to re-start)
* Last night after jump starting, drove for about an hour, brought into the garage and tried to re-start immediately after shutting off. Again, heard fast clicking noise.
* New battery was installed approx 6-months ago.

Plan of action?

Thanks in advance!

Brian

manny · #2 02-24-2004, 06:48 PM

Crappy connection at the starter ?

Jackd · #3 02-24-2004, 06:58 PM

Crappy Battery??
Crappy starter??
Crappy battery connections/ground strap??
Had you battery "load tested". Most auto part stores will do it for you for free. At the same time, they can check you alternator output.
Let us know what ''crappy'' was right.
JackD

RKreutzer · #4 02-24-2004, 07:47 PM

Hi Brian,

If you have a digital multimeter, you can check the voltage of the battery. Should be about 12.6 volts. My Miata still started with 11.95, but it was not taking a charge over 12.04 even after having it on a tender all night. New battery came with 12.65 Volts. Once had a tender go out on me that was supposed to keep my motorcycle battery charged.

Good luck

Reinhard Kreutzer

dyazdani · #5 02-26-2004, 11:08 AM

I had the same problem with mine one time. I had been driving on a long trip, worked just fine. I went out to eat after got home and the fast clicking sound was present. The lights and such worked.

I hitched a ride to AutoZone and got a new battery, solved the whole thing.

You can test the battery for voltage, but the charging system can be checked as well. Auto parts stores normally do this for you.

#6 02-26-2004, 03:35 PM

Thanks for all the tips. Decided for now to go with the simplest/cheapest. 84-month battery was within 100% replacement warranty, so I got a replacement. Will install soon, tho' won't get a chance to drive soon -- California weather is very rainy. This is a fair weather car -- man, where's the Cali sunshine?

Thanks again!

Brian