WHY WONT IT START

you specify key is put in the ignition but dont specify if you turned it to the cranking position. You may also need to turn it off and fully turn it back all the way, then retry, Are you saying you cannot turn the key, the steering wheel lock may come into play then, so what normal function are you describing as a concern. clarify your description, please. Try turning the wheel to free the possible tension against the mechanism. try both directions and select park or neutral. apply the service brake, not the parking brake...... Does the key turn ? ....

Are your fuses and relays ok?

How do you know your battery is ok? how old is the battery? My C230 did the same same thing the lights would work be the car would not start or even click over. I replace the 3 year old battery and it solved the issue. The only other thing I would try is if you have another key you can try, if not try replacing the battery in the key itself.

This key gets inserted in the ignition. Then it starts taking actions by itself ? There is no start feature or function to perform? This really is different from mine. Although, the issues still never seem to change. Always seem to hear these issues, and had similar ones. On mine, I looked in the Benz Bible and there was a tiny admission about a wire, cleaning it, and, using dielectric grease. My actual cause was dirt in a connection, but it led me right beside it.

This car uses and infarred signal for the key Dannyl, Im not sure what year you have/had but these are known to be totally dead in the water when the cars battery is too low, other fuctions will work but it will not be enough power to engage the start process for the car.

Been having difficulty with the explaination up to now. The symptoms did not make sense, the choice of words were like a foreign language, you do not press start? the key is read infrared, then what, the car does all the thinking as soon as the key is inserted? That seemed to be what I was reading. They have asked more than one question. I suggested consulting AAA. That could raise the voltage with cables from the towtruck, or take it to mercedes. My car is older, but the issues are the same results. I carried a spare 12v battery and cables. They tested the battery numerous times with their chinese hand held tester at the parts store. kept telling me I was crazy. I questioned their lack of actual automotive test equipment used by automotive technicians. They think their calculator is a vat40. I bought an interstate battery. tapped on the starter, started it and drove home in the snow. Your battery theory is sound.

A vat40, is a carbon pile tester used for a battery load test. They were used for like 50 years. Their displays were extra large so one person could do all the testing, the thinking, the observation of instruments, they could get a battery to show it's true colors. they could identify a cell that was dropping the voltage. There are these estimating, hand held, battery selling tools nowadays. They really are great, they help the parts store, you dont clean connections anymore! awesome, thanks my friend for the time to explain.

I dont mean to sound like you did anything, it is just frustrating when the description does not include the steps and compare to known functioning vehicles. But does compare to past non functioning ones.

I seem to be having same problem!!! I have a C Class 320 CDI about 7 years old, I've had the car for over 4 years and touchwood have had no major problems. The EMC light came on recently and had all 'Glow Plugs' changed and EMC reset. A few days later while on the motorway the EMC light appeared again, but no loss of power. I went to start the car this morning and doors opened, interior lights came on, however when I tried to start the car, no ignition lights came on nor would the engine start. The key was turning, but nothing else. I tried with the spare key and tried to jump start, but again no ignition lights. originally I thought that the issue was not battery related, however reading this post I may change the battery as I've not replaced it and had the car for over 4 years. Any help would be appreciated. thx

It is possible for a battery to be sulfated (losing usable space within) "capacity" at 4 years. That can reduce capacity it must be rated for and still posess. A battery rated better than enough has always been the answer when I have serviced Merc's. They usually have just one or two that would work in the merc's that i have fixed or done research for. This means selecting a very good brand and warranty is a must. I should point out that on mine, which is simpler, had an insulated starter connection. Insulated by dirt and oil and cooked where the starter brushes get power from the solenoid, very unusual. But throughout it's life it has driven people to sell it off and not complete the diagnosis. Labor is high for the starter and you cannot see it. The benz bible reported that one little issue about power from there to the instruments and switch for starting. The resistance makes the circuits use more amps to do their thing. the battery wears down, and the alternator has a rating that takes it longer to fully recharge. In my case, having to connect a second battery to get the capacity in the snow proved both things to be true. The part store tester's prediction based on averages did not actually perform a real life load test, And they always assume your alternator will charge you up as you drive. Sadly, they are to young or inexperienced to see why a tech uses a true carbon pile for problematic vehicles. The 30+ year merc tech I talked with about it mentioned the starter connection should be coated with dielectric after the cleaning, assembly, and tightening, to prevent any substance from "running in" So now on your vehicle? your wire connections? voltage drop tests can be your proof if it is difficult to inspect. Then if power supply is not your issue, but function of a control module? that can move the attention to a different connection in a different location. Being diesel makes it more critical for you to have the best battery in the winter.

MY mL350 dash started reading "this key does not belong to this car". What's going on? Can I still drive the car/

Hopefully this helps someone... Put key in and dash said take key out of ignition. Car was completely dead. No noise/crank at all. Dash lights and headlights went on, but windows and sunroof would not budge (they were rolled down). As an aside I got the windows up by stepping out of the car and using the exterior window/sunroof feature by aiming the key at the door. My first thought was battery may be drained so I tried to jump start which failed. I was worried about repeatedly trying to start and risking electronics problem so I bought a new battery. I replaced the battery that evening, but car still would not start and steering wheel was still locked in. I happened to read a post that someone had put their finger where the key fits and jiggled it to possibly reset a spring. This did not work at the time, and not sure if it was a coincidence but although the car still did not start, the message saying take key out of ignition went off after I did that. I still figured no luck with the new battery and there is a bigger issue. Later on the guys that sold the battery exclaimed it can take awhile for a Mercedes to relearn and acclimate to a new battery (longer than most cars so patience may be helpful if possible). The next day I went out tried the car and no luck, then tried to lightly giggle inside where the key fits again (agian not sure how much this helped). I put the key back in and the steering wheel unlocked and car started but stalled. Tired to restart again and it started with no problem. Wanting to find out if it was really the old battery that caused the issue I brought it in and had them test it at the counter. They looked at it and said it was dead based on the black dot on the top. However, they plugged it into the tester and said it had 12.5 volts and said that should have been enough to start. As I talked to them, I was wondering if there was a drain so they plugged it back in and it dropped to 12.3 volts. I had them keep it over night to charge all the way and then test. The next day I called in and they said the old battery was good. However, remembering the drain from the initial test I asked them to recheck because the battery had been off its charge for awhile since they fully charged it. Theyd re-tested, and said it now came up as bad battery. They explained to me that there could be a short or bad cell in the battery and that was the reason for it first reporting good battery and then a while later saying bad battery on the test. They exclaimed that I may not have been able to get the wheel unlocked and start right away because it can take awhile (Mercedes and BMW's especially ) to relearn their functions when replacing the battery. Obviously if I had been somewhere inconvenient I would not have been able to do all this but it worked out, and was glad because from what I have read there are multiple components that could need to be changed and without double checking the battery and replacing I would have thought the battery was fine.

You can try to get an indication from the eye atop the battery... a green eye tries to indicate good as far as reading a surface charge atop the electrolyte/water solution inside. it is not really a go/nogo, but an indication. a clear eye can mean "discharged", and a black eye means "do not charge". when a green eye reading is orange or yellow to red, it can indicate needs charge-up. still, this indicator is not even 80% accurate, and tests should be run. a carbon pile tester actually uses current and load tests a battery. Once a surface charge is removed, readings can be believed. The actual load uses current from the battery, and the volt drop during the test as well as the recovery are the actual indicators. The wait for cool idea is very good. and the monitor for self discharge is also. You can have a hard time finding a journeyman or mastertech when you need them.(Thanks Ronny), they get paid. but they would answer this free of charge and let the machine do the work. Try to use them for help if you can still find a shop where you can establish a rapport, and situations like this occur. They encourage nothing but reliable parts and equipment and dont put stock in testers or ideas from china for the mostpart. The black is the indication to heed. That can mean, "self discharges and internally damaged" Technicians agree, when you see the black indicator, you can save oodles of time. The part is considered unsafe in the shop. you write N/G on it and cover its posts. locate it with returns going to scrap. I have seen a frozen battery saved after indicating damaged. it was thawed and days later it was carefully brought back but used to run a very small application. This type experiment should never be thought to be put back in service.

This should be noted about those glow indicators too... the eye having color can still fail tests, and having no color or black should be taken to a qualified person for evaluation. The electrolyte level can be low or the battery can be already scrap. charging, if the smell was not an indication... could result in an acid shower... that is why specially trained and educated people were employed to help at one time.

You may decide to google ( battery service with an eye ) This shows that sealed batteries are of a construct that limits you to just a few tests and since you cannot service them, you end up replacing them. The type you actually have can be determined to help decipher what it's doing, what it is, what indication, and what it means. you will see there, yellow means no charge. Claims do not include danger about any indication The batteries I see for sale lately at parts houses have curiously returned to caps on top, hydrometers for sale, DVOM's for sale, and they use a handheld tester from china, battery prices have doubled....Happy motoring.

Since the application here is a merc, it really limits the choices available for correct specs and battery fit. just say you want the best one they have for your mercedes and the warranty that fully backs the product the longest. When you try saving money? It is about the place you choose. Know your needed info before you start asking, and smooth out the process.

I threw my key and when it hit the concrete it came apart and I put it back together and it locks and unlocks good but when I put the key in the ignition it doesn't turn or nun like that what can I do?

Are you starting a different subject? anenin If that's true, you need to ask a question of your own, give the vehicle info and as always with mercedes, are you sure you own one???

I have no answer but a similar question. My c230 with a strong battery, key turns, car cranks but will not start or run. Mercedes has it but is not giving me a diagnosis. Initial impression was it is not getting fuel. Any idea on what might be calling this?

Starting a new question with all your vehicle information is the best medicine for feeling unsure. The new thread attracts strong answers when they know what it is, and what it has. loss of spark may cancel fuel? who knows ? many vehicles are designed like that. give the pertinent info in a new question please. learn about that fuel system in use in that vehicle.

I have change the battery key and it can open just the door but it can start the car.car model is c class 2008 why?thank a lot

I'm having same issue w my car as Trialkat...2002 mercedes c230k coupe.... new battery, new alternator, fuel pump tested (works), stil car cranks but won't start or stay on

my car is not starting no dhash board lighting c200

My problem is a 2008 Mercedes-Benz my key isn't starting

Hey. So u guys. I have a 2006 mecedes c class 230. Ok. Nice lil whip. So I just got said car ABOUT A WEEK AGO. Lol. Smh. So said car stops at the drive in. My Benz. I was so distraught. So anywho, i tried to jump it, nothing. But the weird thing is that I had just replaced to headlight. The driver side low beam went out, so of course I replaced it myself. I kno not to touch it so no oIL can destroy the light or whatever. I used a glove when performing the task at hand. So long story short I tried tinkering with it. But ended up calling a tow truck cause they, sonic, were about to close. And u kno it's a front wheel drive so u can't push it. And I hope u guys are familiar with the tow tool. Cause without it I would have bit the dust. I had never even heard of it. I just want to also add for the record this my first foreign car. I usually ride camaro. Challenger. Or tahoe. So anyway, I pay 90 to have this man drag my car to my apartment, mind u, he only tows it .2 miles. I had actually walked home and back before dude got there. But anywho, he towed it home and dude let's it off, y'all tell me why dude tapped on my starter, got it in my car, and crank that shit right up.....I was so estatic, not because I had just been ripped of, but at least I knew this bitch still had a little life left. Lol. I mean it's a 2006 Benz right at 100k. So it's decent. It's the sport moder or whatever. Not the kompressor. But initially, when I tried to start it for him at the sonic drive in, he was certain it was the fuel pump. But once we got home, he claims he tapped on the starter and that it was loose, and this is what made him able to start the car. I know you guys are gonna ask so here are specifics. Before he came I tried letting it cool down for 15 mins. Then. I popped the hood. Opened and closed the gas tank. I had about half full, I checked the fuses, but with only a high beam flashlight. To make sure none had burned. Buy that time I had called my friend, who recommend this place to me for foreign cars, the dealer. So after none of that worked, I knew it had to be the alternator or starter from when my challenger blew. The mercedes would turn. All the lights worked, including the new driver side lowbeam headlamp. I don't have any other alerts. Only warnings about low headlight beam . No tmps or warning lights appear. The sunroof and everything works. So I knew it couldn't have been the battery. I did read on another Form that a low battery key could cause this too. I'm gonna Change the battery for my key, and have the cars battery tested. I had a challenger not start because of that too, a low battery key. And the same way. All the lights, and a turn. But no idle. So tonight I'm gonna let it rest. I'm here in Dallas Texas, it's 2 am here at 7, I'm gonna go replace the headlamp again, buy I won't drive it until 10 when I take it back to the dealer to get a better understanding of what the hell is going on. I also want to add that the drivers mirror light has been out for a while. But the low headlamp drivers side was as recent as today.the car was not running hot and the ac was blowing on cold. And before my car started. Before he towed it. From the sonic I want to make it clear that I did remove the headlamp. But only because like I say , this my first foreign and I kno these hoes wishy-washy. So feel free to chime in or tell me what to try or what to expect . Knowledge is power. And power is love....lol

Hit your starter with a stuck or rod. Problem solved

We've now got same problem. Got electrics key turns but won't start steering wheel stuck

I'm help you out any body have problems 1996 Mercedes c280 Amg if you have problems won't start and the engine you hear the sound starter but the engine wont start dashboard light not work turn signal not work but the headlight work first thing you do problems the key ignition problems puts your hand behind the key wire push the wire good to conected with switch key from the back mybe you need to open cover under your feet to touch the switch key mybe wire not conected good with key let key position on only you will hear alarm signal when you push the switch wire conected good from the back key switch will work if you se dash board light back on said thank you start the car and drive happy if the dashboard not work that mean never you can start the car only you try wast money for electrical problems

1996 Mercedes c280 I'm tell you the problems if dashboard light not work that mean switch key problems open cover under your weel drive under your feet lute your hand behind key touch wire push wire conected good with key switch and let key on position to se dashboard light back

The problems dashboard light not work you will hear alarm under your key putty our ear hear alarm fallow aram sound you will think that wire switch key not conected good if you scan obd2 car Tex said on scanner remove key 10 minute evrytime that problems switch wire key not conected

The problems 1996 1997 or any Mercedes went start only good thing test bad battery if jump start will be start car mybe fuse broken never cant car start door locked the car won't start bad spark plug wire broken and more thing can won't car start mybe if you want car be good Check that evrytime oil change with time but Mercedes akways problems fuse or key problems won't start

Myphone if you need help can do help you to 858 309 2733

Hey i have a 2009 c300 mercedes Locks seats lights work when i put the key in and my driver door is open it says remove key from ignition when i close the door dash shows my miles but when i turn key my dash lights don't go on and car won't start I tryed jumping it didint work then I key jigging the key it started I drives it for 5 6 hours with out turning the car off came home turn it off and started that second it started then I shut it off and Dr yes again won't start I took the battery to a auto zone thay said the battery is good PLEASE HELP ME CAR WONT START I TRYED PUTTING MY FINGER IN THERE JIGGING IT I TRYED A DIFFRENT KEY COULD IT BE THE STARTER ARE MABE MY OLI IS LOW?

2004 Mercedes Benz C240 Could anybody help me??.. So i can start my car won't start after it has been running for a few minuites. I can drive it down the road and back and shut it off then try to crank it and all power comes on but the car won't turn over. The starter isn't even clicking and the battery isn't dead. After about 30 mins I can restart my car but it doesn't the same thing repeating the same actions. I have a Mercedes Benz C240

I have the same issue. Car starts great in the mornings. But if you drive it for any length of time it won't start anymore. The dash lights intermittently come on, but as soon as the key is turned all power is lost! Any ideas? It's starting to really worry me. It's a 2008 c220.

I have a 2011 E350 convertible. Wont start even after being jumped. Headlights do not turn on. Its parked with wheel curbed and steering wheel locked so the tow driver won't tow it. any suggestions? ideas? solutions?

On my 2004 c220cdi replaced fuse 52 15amp with a 20 amp as suggested by a 2005 MB Service Bulletin. Mercedes should publicise this more effectively!

hello... having some challenges here with my benz ignition, some time if i put my key into the ignition its will be difficult for me to turn..... until i have to lock the steeling and try it for some time before the ignition will turn..... please what can cause it... thanks

2008 C200K 5dr wagon. Put key in ignition - heard 3 clicks - no power at all. No instrument lights either. Steering lock is ok - checked that. Battery is 100% ok - checked that. What to do now? Got a tow truck to tow it home for me & he couldnt get car out of park to tow it home. Fuses perhaps? which one? there are millions!!

Hmm, typical for a woman....Ive just learnt I have 2 batteries. One under the bonnet & one in the floor of the boot. Now to check the one in the boot (fingers crossed this is the problem)

hey i have a mercedes class c200 on a 1999 model it wont start the key goes in but will not turn or make a sound plus wont lock the car . does anyone know what it could be . had key tested and thats fine

Hi, I'm not a mechanic nor claim to be Benz expert.. so just a suggestion if it helps in anyway. I had issue 2-3 years ago starting my 2008 C300 after car battery replacement (from AutoZone). Somehow, I got it started few times, but at one point it did not start and I had to call in AAA. I initially thought it was battery related issue, but the AAA tech use to work for Benz Services got my car started in 10 seconds. He told me the car was in "Security Lockdown". He recommended following steps in order. (Note: Try Procedure 2 only if first one doesn't work.) To unlock the security - Procedure 1: (1) Unlock the car, (2) Turn the key all the way without starting the car (3) Let the mirrors open up and everything to reset (~ 10 seconds) -- Should do this every time! (4) Start the car Procedure 2: If above doesn't work, here's a keyless entry option on the key: (1) Press Unlock (2) Lock (3) Unlock (4) Lock (5) Lock (6) Unlock (7) Follow Procedure 1 steps above I was told the Procedure 1 should be best practice for every day use as well! Same issue happened to me 3 weeks ago after my car was sitting in driveway for 3 weeks. I searched internet for couple days trying to recall these steps, but could not find it anywhere! Luckily, I had documented above step and emailed it to myself. Please spread this steps in other posts as I've read about similar symptoms I had reported. Again, it may not solve the ESI or other issues, but this is 10 second steps that may save lot of money and headache for people so please do pass it around. Thanks

I put a brand new ignition in my 2002 Mercedes Benz C230 my steering wheel is still locked up key not turning over I don't know what to do could someone please help me

Hi I got c280 w202 1997 model my problem is when I drive the for 10min and switch it of for 2min then It struggle to start again .What can it be

Hey Stigscousin and RameRid. I have a 04 Mercedes c230 kompressor sport thats is doing the same thing. Starts in morning but once i drive for a little while and go to start the car again it wont unless i let it sit awhile. Did you guys findout what was wrong? If anyine else knows i greatly appreciate it.

I have a 2004 e500 I had a key made for it now my dash lights keep coming on and my altnator is not charging the battery I'm lost

Hi 1999 C202 FOB seem to be working ok, putting key in ignition and turning it to position 2 and all looks normal on dash. Trying to start engine it have a 50% success rate. I tried it in N and in P, taking the key out and back in and same result, messing with it long enough I get lucky and it will start. Any suggestions I appreciate it Thanks Thor

I have a 2004 mercedes kompressor sport wont start but it unlocks .wit key dash lights come on no start or turn over ...can anyone help please

I have a C180 2009 automatic. Key wont open doors and cant start the engine. no ignition. a year ago I replaced an ignition lock. battery okay. Please help

TheBaddGuy..it could be ignition lock..mine did the same a year ago.

My 1999 c180 would shut off while driving now it won't start nor lock the ignition doesn't make that swallowing sound anymore. Please help

I have a very well maintained, low kilometre, 2012 C250 CDI with an 8 months old battery and when I tried to start it NOTHING happened, no dash lights, no horn but interior lights worked. I called the RACQ (Qld Australia) and when they arrived he tried to jump start the car but nothing happened so he took the cover off the battery and tested it and it was fine. He tried to jump start it again and still nothing so ha said to shut all the doors, lock the car, unlock the car and then try to start it and guess what it started fine. He said that the car had become confused and the locking and opening again had woken it up again. Just thought that I would post this in case it saved anybody a lot of trouble if I t works before doing anything else.

Had the same problem on our 2000 c230 Kompressor 281,804 miles :) Had been happening intermittently for a few days. Looked at all of the responses on this board, in this thread ,so decided to put a charger on the battery to see if it would make a difference. Started on third try, let it sit a minute, started on second try. Made a run up to get a state re-inspection for failed horn (pfft) and now it is starting normally. I could charge the battery, I guess, but my son is moving out of the area with the vehicle, so if it is still starting OK in the morning will do the battery replacement for some peace of mind if nothing else. The battery is not that old, a year and a half or 2 years at the most, and not a cheap battery at that. Anyway, it appears that a weak battery can cause the problem of not starting, but all dash lights illuminated. Cheers !!!

My 2012 MBenz C250 sat for > 1 month. Battery died, I replaced it with a brand new one-all electrical systems are ok, key turns, steering wheel rotates, engine tries to crank however won't start. sounds like n fuel however I have 1/2 a tank if gas. No alert messages other than the airbag recall. No prior mechanical issues, mbenz advised battery was testing slightly low at last years service. No other issues noted.

1 have a 1996 Mercedes C280 if i let it sit overnight , it will not start in morning without a jump start.I though maybe just bad battery , I put a brand new battery in it it cranks very good but just doesn't have enough juice until i put a jump on it, seems like fuel pump or something like that , any help ? of course if i drive it through the day it will start but if i let it sit for a day it will not start like i said seems to crank very good and all lights come on radio AC etc... i turn evreything off just to make sure.

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the ignition lock. This video explains how to fix it. https://www.youcanic.com/guide/mercedes-benz-ignition-lock-repair-steering-column- replacement-w204-w207-w212