2000 ML 320 won't crank at all

[usonms]

I have a 2000 ML320 with 136K miles. It won't start this morning.
Battery is good (just bought a year ago) and instrument panel, radio
and lights are working. It woudn't crank at all. Just dead.
Need help to determine what the problem is.
Thanks,

[snowight90@gmail.com]

mine is doing the same thing and after about an hour it will start again. why is it doing this?

[paulfireboss]

I had this problem happen twice, check the neg battery terminal and clean it and re tighten. Most likely is corroded and with the summer rain it tends to happen. Mine had a very light coating of corrosion on the post. Cleaned it and she started right up.

Now you will have to enter the radio code to reset the radio after you clean the battery posts.

[powerpig]

Both cases sound like the crank position sensor to me. Had it happen to my ML320 recently. Had it replaced and all is good now. Hope this helps.

[mplafleur]

A bad crank position sensor won't stop it from cranking. It should crank, but not start.

These posts complain of no crank. Which mine is now doing. I just get one faint clink.

[Benzkid_300D]

mine would not start recentley. It just went click click click and stopped. turned out to be the reverse lockout switch... so just jiggle the shifter and put it from P to D a couple of times and mine started... hope this helps

(this was the first time in 249K miles it wouldnt start except for when I left the interior lights on while away for vacation and the battery obvioulsly drained )

[mplafleur]

Reverse lockout?

I thought it might be the neutral safety switch and so tried in neutral as well as neutral with no luck. I'll try futzing around with the shifter some more as you suggest.

Does anyone know where the reverse lockout switch is?

[mplafleur]

After several day, the ML cranked and started on the first try. I did nothing since the last non-start.

For $10 I bought a new brake switch and now my cruise control works and the ETS light is off for the first time in 5 years.

[mplafleur]

Does anyone know the system works? Is there a schematic somewhere?

What is the click coming from?

I've noticed a difference in when I try to start the ML:

- Turn key and hear click, nothing else.
- Turn key and hear click and then a noticeable pause before cranking begins. (~ 1 second)
- Turn key and cranking begins instantly.

Maybe this is a starter or starter connection issue?

[mplafleur]

After sitting for a month while I was out of the country it started right up.

[oldsinner111]

try beating on the starter

[mplafleur]

It's been fine for the last month. No problems at all.

[CLLARK1]

Originally Posted by mplafleur

Does anyone know the system works? Is there a schematic somewhere?

What is the click coming from?

I've noticed a difference in when I try to start the ML:

- Turn key and hear click, nothing else.
- Turn key and hear click and then a noticeable pause before cranking begins. (~ 1 second)
- Turn key and cranking begins instantly.

Maybe this is a starter or starter connection issue?

There is a MB TSB for this problem dated 02-02-2009 entitled Tip Start Cycle Before Engine Starting.What is happening is the ring gear and starter is sending a false RPM reading to the PCM.The PCM believes the engine has started and shuts off the starter relay.You will notice the tach jump over to the right when you move the key to start position.The TSB says to apply a light coating of a special grease to the ring gear.The grease is approximately $100 a tube and difficult to acquire.I spoke to my local MB service manager who informed me that they use a thin coating of never seize.I applied as instructed and no longer have this problem.Good Luck

[oldsinner111]

had same problem with my S ,it was ignition switch,changed it the old one had a burnt spot

[Hipeople]

When the engine is hot and cranks but would not start sometimes it can be the crankshaft position sensor ckp. I replaced mine and works all the time after. I used to be stuck at shopping center, donkin dunnut, because the car would not starts again. Try order the new sensor and replace it your self. It is easy but very hard to get to thhe bolt. You can do it!