617 Jumping the starter / bad starter ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

coachgeo · #1 08-08-2003, 11:45 AM

I'm going to sound like a complete newbie here but oh well... I need clarification

While trying to trace down why I have no starter and some other components I decided to try jumping my starter

Took a large needle nose plyer and bridged the gap on the 617 starter solinoid atop the starter with the key on (and out of gear). Starter spins but it does not spin the engine.

Does this mean part of the starter is bad or does it mean I'm just doing somethng wrong?

Ken300D · #2 08-08-2003, 11:59 AM

Sounds to me like the starter motor is good.

The solenoid is bad or is not getting activation voltage from the starter switch (ignition key switch).

Normally the key switch causes voltage to be sent to the solenoid, which then throws the starter gear forward and completes the heavy-current electrical circuit that powers the motor.

You bypassed the solenoid throw electrical switch and powered the starter with your pliars - a valid test.

You don't hear anything when you turn the key, do you?

Ken300D

coachgeo · #3 08-08-2003, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken300D
Sounds to me like the starter motor is good.

The solenoid is bad or is not getting activation voltage from the starter switch (ignition key switch).

Normally the key switch causes voltage to be sent to the solenoid, which then throws the starter gear forward and completes the heavy-current electrical circuit that powers the motor.

You bypassed the solenoid throw electrical switch and powered the starter with your pliars - a valid test.

You don't hear anything when you turn the key, do you?

Ken300D

I have a starter button. This is sorta a customized thing.

Anyway to answer ur question. When I push the starter button I have NOTHING but silence.

With key on I also have no Volt meter, dash lights, or elec. gauges.

So from what your saying I am not getting juice to the starter solonoid to engage the starter gear.

Is this correct?

Ken300D · #4 08-08-2003, 12:14 PM

Yes, that's essentially it. Power from the battery would need to go to your starter button, and when you push the starter button the battery power is connected to the starter solenoid to fully activate the starter.

So, the most likely thing is that you have no battery voltage to that starter button. Or the wire from the starter button to the starter (solenoid) is broken.

Do you have a conventional fuse box? You may not be getting any power into the fuse box - and that would be a pretty big wire either disconnected, rat eaten

, or burned through.

Ken300D

coachgeo · #5 08-08-2003, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken300D
Yes, that's essentially it. Power from the battery would need to go to your starter button, and when you push the starter button the battery power is connected to the starter solenoid to fully activate the starter.

So, the most likely thing is that you have no battery voltage to that starter button. Or the wire from the starter button to the starter (solenoid) is broken.

Do you have a conventional fuse box? You may not be getting any power into the fuse box - and that would be a pretty big wire either disconnected, rat eaten , or burned through.

Ken300D

Boy is this beggining to sound familure. Year and a half ago I had a problem. I cant remember if it was Exactly like this but it was simular.

In that case there was no power going into the part of the fuse box either. I was on the road at the time. Got lucky and an fellow stopped and helped that was a friggen genious. He had me back fed some power directly from the battery to the fuses. Just after that I paid 1500 buks for that problem and a fuel problem to be repaired...... grrrrrrrrr

Gawd I wish my memory was better. Im an 81yr old memoried 41 dude

coachgeo · #6 08-08-2003, 02:44 PM

I followed some wires tracing sources of things which brought me once again to the fue box. I moved some wires to inspect things and..........

Low and behold... hidden in there was a blown fuse. Glass fuse with the sodder blasted against the glass in such a manner that from one angle it looked to be a complete circuit across the fuse cause the sodder on the glass made it look like the element inside was intact . At least in a dimly lit situation like last night was, the element looked good

Well at least that is my excues, and Im sticking to it!!!

I connected a jumper to replace the fuse and my volt meter on the dash returned.

Sooooo..... then I got a fuse put in and started it up. Will just have to wait and see if it blows out. I still could have a short or something that is blowing the fuse. Or is that just me saying that to save face hmmmmm.... :p