Hello Board,
Intermittent engine turnover. I can put in the key and a start. But every couple of times the engine won't turn over. All lights and radio work but no start. It seems that I can hear a spark or click when I turn the key but no start. I can turn the key over a few times and the car will start. Any ideas?

Sounds pretty basic.

Battery
Battery clamps
Ground connection from battery
Solenoid

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra

Would that be the start solenoid? My cables were loose but I tighten them a couple of days ago. And ground connection from the battery to where?
Thanks.

Try cleaning the battery terminals and the connectors with wire brush tool so they make good contact. Tighten moderately, not too tight.

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Fred Hoelzle

Do you have a volt meter?

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Steve thanks for the reply. I currently donot have a volt meter but I can get one. what would I check with it?