[JaxScott]

Hello,

Got a problem with my 2004 S500. I had just pulled in to the store for a quick stop. Got back in my car and when I turned the key I heard the engine trying to crank and then suddenly stopped. When I retried I could hear a solenoid type of clicking. I tried to jump start, wouldn't crank, and clicking sound is now very faint. I replaced the battery with a new one (charged it to make sure it was 100%) and still nothing, just faint clicking. All lights work on dashboard. I have no tools to check voltage. Any help would be MUCH APPRECIATED! I don't have the money at the moment for a trip to the dealership.

Thank you

Scott

 

[cmpcpro]

Hello,

Got a problem with my 2004 S500. I had just pulled in to the store for a quick stop. Got back in my car and when I turned the key I heard the engine trying to crank and then suddenly stopped. When I retried I could hear a solenoid type of clicking. I tried to jump start, wouldn't crank, and clicking sound is now very faint. I replaced the battery with a new one (charged it to make sure it was 100%) and still nothing, just faint clicking. All lights work on dashboard. I have no tools to check voltage. Any help would be MUCH APPRECIATED! I don't have the money at the moment for a trip to the dealership.

Thank you

Scott

First off, DON'T jumpstart the car incorrectly. If you are going to jump it make sure the key is OFF and out when connecting the leads. If you connect them while the key is on you run the risk of shorting out electrical items in the car that are very expensive. If you have replaced the battery on the car and it's still doing the same thing and you hear a faint clicking it is probably the starter. You can try banging on the starter a few times with a wrench and trying to start it, usually that works to get you out of the parking lot but a starter will be needed immediately..

 

[JaxScott]

Thank you for the help. I will try the "BANG" trick. Tomorrow morning. And again I appreciate you replying so quickly.

Scott

 

[Check Codes]

While you are crawling around under there, check the engine ground strap to be sure it is intact with solid connections free of corrosion.

Good luck.

 

[JaxScott]

Well I couldn't do the "tap with a wrench" trick. Not enough space underneath to access. Can you get to the starter from the Top/Back of the engine?

 

[Check Codes]

If you had Twiggy arms I guess you might be able to reach down past the exhaust manifold, but then you wouldn't really see what you were doing and you'd probably hit the cap on the solenoid and shatter it. (This is why mechanics get paid the big bucks, they're willing to go under the car...)

You do have to raise the car and get under -- support it safely, of course. Then you can also check the ground strap.

Good luck.

 

[JaxScott]

Was indeed the starter. Good call guys. Thanks for helping me get my car back on the road without breaking the bank.

Thanks again
Scott