Did you actually replace the battery? Did you check that all of the battery connections were tight and no corrosion at either end? The only shops that are reliable are independent repair shops that repair Mercedese. Mechanically it is a 2004 Mercedese SLK320. unless it is an SRT-6 and then it is a 2004 Mercedese SLK32 AMG.

 

Bought a wonderful 2005 Crossfire a year ago with only 40K miles. A couple of weeks ago my wife was driving it and it went into "limp mode", the ABS and brake warning light went on as well as the spoiler came up and she brought it home. It would not start or go into gear. Because it was not driven much figured may have a low battery which it did. I charged the battery and it started with no problem and no warning lights and was able to put the spoiler down. Was driving it just to check it out and when I parked it at a store the lights and spoiler thing happened again. When I came out it started right back up with no problems. Decided to replace battery and it went into the lights and spoiler thing again and would not start so checked with local shops and they all said I needed to take it to the dealer. I called the nearest dealer and they said bring it in and used the towing service they recommended. I checked it when the tow truck arrived and it started right up so was able to drive it on the truck. Tow truck gets to the dealer and they refuse it as it is too old so I called the Mercedes dealer next door and they also said they did not want to service it. This was about 6:30 pm and he found a shop that wanted to give it a try so dropped it off there. Five days later they still have not found the problem which they think is a loose connection somewhere. It will start fine then next time it refuses to start then next day starts right up. Any ideas where to start? Thanks


It is a 2005 Limited convertible. The battery connections are good but the shop should check the other ends as I can no longer work on cars due to age and disabilities. It is hell getting old. Thanks Yes, new battery.

 

I'll take a guess the traction control relay on the Relay Control Module (RCM) is going bad. This is a common problem.
There are a number of DIY easy things to try, but with you not being able to work on the car and it being in a shop they seem out of the question.
I would hope the shop the car is in could use a scan tool that can get into the Mercedes specific codes as that may help get you started in the right direction. For your own info click on this link to get you headed to a possible solution. The post talks about resoldering some cracked joints, but in your case you want to replace the entire RCM with a new one and/or send the one that is in the car to tighed1 for repairs Myster No Start

 

I would simply order a new RCM and plug it in, you can change it without tools. THen, send the old one to DJ for reworking and carry it as a spare. That's what I did.

1) Order this:
https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/144017...LYKUfdOA7753tY
(Their web site will tell you it does not fit the Crossfire - ignore that.)

2) It sounds like you replaced the battery, if not, do it NOW. Then, make sure battery cable clamps are clean and tight.

3) Then do James' mod as described here:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...le-engine.html

These are all relativity inexpensive things to do that many of us have already done. See where you stand after this, if issues persist, let us know.


Again, the RCM can be changed by ANYONE without tools, it's in the box next to the battery. DO NOT pull on the wires when unplugging it, grasp the gray connectors and 'rock' them out of the sockets on the RCM. Again, no tools needed. THe module just sits in there, in some cars, there is a little brass lever on the right you press down and the RCM can be lifted out. Make sure you send the old one to DJ for him to rework; when it comes back, keep it in the trunk as a spare.



Here are instructions from DJ, send him an email first for current pricing and to make sure he's not away on vacation (as your RCM will sit on his porch until he gets back):
tighed1@hotmail.com

DJ TIGHE
3601 Pinnacle Ct
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

I'll inspect, bench test, redo bad solder joints, perform the Me So Horny mod (horn works w/o key) and replace the Air Pump, Fuel, Engine and Traction Control relays.
I will then test your RCM in one of my cars before mailing it back to you via USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days).
In most cases, I get the RCM back in the mail the day I receive it so you're looking at about a week total. If you want the package insured please include an additional $5.

If you ship to me via a method that requires a signature it will extend your waiting time as I will have to go into town to sign for the package.

Leave all fuses and plastic cover on RCM.
Let me know what symptoms the car had.
Please email your address to me also.

 

Thank you, will give it a try

 

Brother (seeing your member name is "texvet" am thinking your a veteran, I am!), FIRST, get the car back 'home'. Your bills are getting higher and higher. This forum is the best chance you'll have (until you build a relationship with an independent European mechanic schooled/experienced in a Mercedes Benz SLK-320), to get your car back on the road. Now, about your issue, follow the advice about replacing the RCM in that box next to the battery that pizzaguy pointed out. It (the RCM) is the one closest to the centerline of the car. After replacing the RCM come back and let the membership know if it is solved or not. While your waiting to get the RCM get your car back home (unless it is already 'home'). Then go to the documents collection here in the forum and check out all the self-help topics. Even if you cannot do many of them, the knowledge you gather reading about them make for a better educated consumer when you ask a mechanic to look into any issue you may have, onward. I haven't linked the document collection link here in the forum, as I have owned mine since 2009 and I have many of the help topics..pdf files for my car downloaded. All this information is FREE for being a member. Free is much better than parts/labor charges from a mechanic, and much of this stuff can easily be done by you with some simple hand tools. Finally, in most of the things with the car, NEVER bring it to a 'stealership' (as we unaffectionally call them), they probably have no idea what to do except throw parts and labor at it until you get tired of the bills, or they stumble on what was wrong, then they bill you a whopping fee. Remember, this forum is probably the BEST tool you have in getting your car back on the road, use it! Good luck!


.

 

Thank you. Yep, was drafted and did my tour in Vietnam. Was damaged more than I thought and ended up with a 100% VA rating in 2009 as age caught up with me. Getting drafted and serving provided me with a full boat scholarship with the GI Bill and made my poor azz life much better. I will heed the advise I receive and have already ordered the RCM. Thanks Brother and welcome home.

 

Welcome home and thank you for serving. My older half-brother served in 'Nam. He was a battlefield medic and mom really worried about him. He came back troubled, and has had little to do with family, I'm not sure he is still alive, he'd be 80 now.

And, while my son served 23 years in the Navy - there are guys like me, I tried twice to join, first the Air Force, then the Coast Guard - both rejected me because my heart makes odd noises.
I wish I'd seen the world and served - but it was not to be.

 

Same to you brother. You know RED Fridays and 22, right?


.

 

Not sure if this is the right thread, could I ask if anyone knows which is the live wire on the side lights, Red/white or brown one. Thanks guys

 

If you download the service manual, one look at the wiring diagrams will tell you there is a general rule that is almost not ever violated in the Crossfire:

If something has only two wires going to it, and one is solid brown in color with no stripe, then the Brown wire is the ground side.

Manuals are here:
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ollection.html

 

If you download the service manual, one look at the wiring diagrams will tell you there is a general rule that is almost not ever violated in the Crossfire: Brown is, almost all the time, the ground side.

Manuals are here: (Service manuals have a "wiring" chapter)
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...ollection.html
,

 

Thanks for your help pizzaguy

 

Thank you for your advise, which I took and the car is running like it should. Just plugged in a new RCM and all is good.

 

Thanks for coming back to tell us. Many ask for help then never come back.

 

Yes, it seems that many Americans have lost their civility and half are dead set on starting a fight wherever they go.. Sad