Hi everyone,

I have read the mystery car wont start thread and others. I have similar problems yet my car still wont start.

Problem started two years ago. Car abs pump stayed on for about three months, and I always had to disconnect the battery when I stopped driving it. Then one day it wouldn't even start, like the ignition was not getting any juice. My car remote was damaged, but still worked prior to it;s mystery no start. I had the battery checked to see if it was bad. It was tested good and still holds a charge. After two years of trouble shooting, nothing works. When I disconnect and reconnect the battery, the abs pump comes on, all lights in the car and radio goes on. Windows and everything else works. I turn the key once, and the car starts for 2 seconds and shuts off. Then when I turn the key after that, nothing happens at all. I then have to disconnect and reconnect the battery to be able to start the car for 2 seconds again, and then the problem repeats. I feel like it could be the alarm not working as I have even purchased a new remote for only $215 yesterday from the dealer

When I got it home and connected the battery, no alarm sound came on and the new remote would not set the alarm, nor lock the doors. I followed the alarm synchronization method (pressing it twice, then turn to the on position for 30 seconds) that did not work either. the only thing that happens is my winshield wipers stay on, dash lights up, and car lights blink like crazy.

I fear that having it towed to my chrysler dealer that knows nothing about Mercedes and I will be in another few thousand dollars for no results. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE let me know.

I have not been lazy about this and here are the actions I have taken to resolve this:

1. Checked battery-Good condition
2. Did the RCM solder fix, no results
3. Replaced the whole ignition tumbler and assembly (brand new now)
4. Purchased a new key from the dealership with my vin number. and no success

I love this car. It's a 2004 with only 53,000 miles. These Mercedes engines last forever as my brothers slk with the same engine has 500k on his! I don't want to sell my baby, but she is going to be very expensive if I take it to dealers who want to over charge for everything. They actually told me to tow it to the to reprogram the remote for $65 when it can be done for free! If I towed it to them, I know they will say it's something else that's $1000's of dollars. Please help!

 

Just taking a shot in the dark here but have you considered the SKREEM module? Could it have gone bad or gotten damaged when your ignition tumbler was replaced? Do a search on that and see if the symptoms match yours.

Also, have you checked under the foam in the trunk for water? The constant running of the pump makes me think you have moisture back there.

RL

 

Thank you RL,

I will research the SKREEM module and keep you posted. My dashboard is still apart, so it shouldn't be too hard to locate. The water under the trunk foam would cause the abs pump under the hood to stay on? I hope I do find some water there, as I have not been able to start my car for around 2 years now. Water could have evaporated by now.

 

The cheapest solution to this problem would be to find the small wire that connect the 'halo ring' around the ignition keyhole disconnected from the SKREEM or damaged in some way so that there is no power in it.