99 ML 320 with about 175K miles. Wife called and said it would turn over but not fire. I had her call roadside assistance first. They told her to get out of the truck, lock it with the remote, unlock it, and then try to start it again. They said that would reset the computer. Well, it worked.

Now, what should I worry about? Should there be a code to explain this malfunction? Do you think I should have a professional go over the truck to see if they can find anything?

Thanks in advance.

on ML's the locking system doesn't inhibit starter motor operation. If the starter works the but the car won't start, it isn't related...I would think you are starting to have either a crank sensor problem OR a fuel pump problem.

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Well, it happened again today. Same scenario. Except this time it still wouldn't start after lock/unlock try # 1. She tried two more times and called me. I told her to wait a few minutes and try again. She did and it started.

No CEL. I asked her to get the codes read at Autozone after the first episode. She never did.

So now she is on her way directly to our favorite indy mechanic.

Update: Phone rang while I was typing. Mechanic says 90% sure it's crank position sensor. $226.87. I told him to go for it.

Its a US$70 part (retail) and about 30 minutes work to replace it.

Did he kiss you and promise to still love you afterwards?

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1973 280SE 4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE - "Deep Throat"
2007 ML320 CDI (Sold)
2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia TipTronic (Sold)
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
2014 ML350 BTC
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (On Order)

Have your wife carry the second key with her, if it does it again see if the other key will start it.
Gilly

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Good idea. Will do. (But I hope the new CPS fixed it.)

Thanks Gilly.

Well, my wife handled this so I'll have to ask her.

I would have done it myself but:
1) local dealer, Dick Dyer Mercedes, sells it for $148.50. Their parts prices are usually outrageous so I buy as little as possible from them. In light of the local dealer's price, $226 sounds reasonable.

2) would have gone on line to get it but timing is not good. I'm working 12 hour days, we have a young child, we're traveling this weekend, blah, blah, blah.

3) I just tried to check online prices for the heck of it. Fastlane and *************** are out of stock. Two other sites say call them so I suspect they are out as well.

Try Steve Schock at: http://www.europarts-sd.com/ He's where I get most parts that don't have to come from Europe.

__________________
1973 280SE 4.5 (Sold)
1984 LWB 280GE (Sold)
2000 G500 NMLE - "Deep Throat"
2007 ML320 CDI (Sold)
2010 Porsche Cayenne S Transsyberia TipTronic (Sold)
2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (Sold and Sorely Missed)
2014 ML350 BTC
2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (On Order)

Things like workman's comp, liability insurance, and monthly lease/mortgage payment don't come cheap. Then there are security, uniforms, advertising, shop supplies, shop equipment, mechanics salary, and the list goes on, not to mention, he has to warranty the repair job.

I don't know very many wealthy shop owners, the overhead is very high and they make a honorable living by the virtue of hard work. More than I can say for pencil and paper pushers.

Bump..