1995 S420 won't crank - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

coloS420 · 03-16-2010, 07:44 AM

I am probably breaking protocol. I posted my woes this morning in the General thread. Should I re-post here? Ask members to go there to review my post?
Can I delete from the general ?

thatnks for the help.

Jon

1995 S420 brighton co

MikeJT · 03-16-2010, 08:23 AM

Thought I'd try to help by copying your first post across.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloS420

1995 S420 won't crank HELP?!?

My 1995 S420 --- only 60k miles---won't turn over. Lots of lights on the dash. A jump doesn't help. No warning (i.e. NOT hard to start, NO solenoid clicks, NO starter whiring, did not leave lights on ever). Just did not start after stopping at the sis-in-laws.

Tried in park and nuetral (car WAS in nuetral..it started to roll)

got out, locked with 'flat' key and unlocked with flat key still no start.

disconnected battery to 'reset?' things. no luck

I am thinking 3 things:

neutral safety switch

security lockout

bad starter

I bought from an estate and never got a 'wireless' key. I am thinking of spending the $200 to get a wireless key (would be cool) to see of this might be a security lockout issue.

Can you help with better ideas?

I don't understand why you would suddenly have a security lock-out problem that a new remote key would solve when your existing key has presumably been working OK.

In my experience, the ignition switch usually gives a progressive indication that it's going bad - i.e. you start having to turn it several times before the starter energises. Don't know about the neutral safety switch but would be surprised if it underwent sudden death. You could try (carefully!) jumping the solenoid contactor to see if the starter will turn.

Mike

**Nimrodthewombat** · 03-16-2010, 08:25 AM

Could be many things....

Timing chain
battery (but I assume you've checked that)
a component attached to the Vee belt seized

ETC

coloS420 · 03-16-2010, 08:27 AM

I have yet to see the starter or solenoid. It is parked in an awkward place at a famity members home. I think i could get a jack under it to get a look. Is the solenoid going to be on the starter like all the others i have seen? Any clues on the solenoid jumping technique? run a wire from where to where?

thanks for your reply!

**Nimrodthewombat** · 03-16-2010, 08:30 AM

Just a guess and dont laugh, but does the cigarette lighter work?

coloS420 · 03-16-2010, 08:31 AM

Mr Wombat you are scaring me. timing chain?! yikes. I tried a jump and pretty sure that is not the issue. it is not even trying to turn. an no colenoid click I am used to with other cars with a no-crank symptom. got any ideas on 'jumping the solenoid?

thanks,

Jon

coloS420 · 03-16-2010, 08:32 AM

Cig lighter does NOT work....it did years ago , but not last year...don't know when it went out

**Nimrodthewombat** · 03-16-2010, 08:33 AM

there was a problem with some 420's not starting that for some reason MBAG decided to do the starter wiring through the cigarette lighter. No lighter-no start

**Nimrodthewombat** · 03-16-2010, 08:34 AM

that may be your problem...check the fuse first!

glenlloyd · 03-16-2010, 08:54 AM

After checking to make sure fuses aren't toast I would put a test light on the starter solenoid wire and with a second set of hands (helper) check for continuity with the ign switch turned to the start position. If you have power to the solenoid in "start" then it's either starter or solenoid.

Would be surprised to see solenoid or starter go without any advance warning.

Steve A