Car won't start

Asked by GuruXJB5 Apr 09, 2017 at 12:35 PM about the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My Mercedes c180 cgi 2010 auto won't start. The
car lights come on, the radio works but the air con
won't come on. The key will turn but non of the
dash lights come on and the steering doesn't
unlock. Iv check the battery and its is fine. What
could be the problem?

1 Answer

55

Sounds like a steering column issue just had mine fixed some how the the security system or key fob on the steering column. may need to be replaced. Many things cause "no start conditions" Replacement of the battery should rule the battery out and also the alternator charge as the new battery should have many "starts" in it. The alternator could have a bad diode, and thus discharge the battery when it is not working. Should be an easy diagnose. Put an amp meter on the main and secondary positive leads and check for current flow with systems off. If older car with many starts, the starter motor would be next suspect. Turn on the headlights and try to start. If the headlights dim but engine doesn't crank, the starter could be shorted. If lights don't dim but still no start, starter could be open. Starters usually fail with intermittent starts. This should not throw a lot of codes unless it is shorted. If the battery is pulled low by a shorted starter, all sorts of miscellaneous codes will be thrown. Especially, for some reason, a low battery throws a transmission fault. Neutral/park switch is next "no start" failure. Usually will not throw codes. Wiggle gear shift while trying to start. Next is the key fob battery. If this is an older truck, a low battery in the key will cause the security not to be recognized. However, again this does not usually throw a lot of codes, unless you have not serviced the car regularly and the codes are from something else. Same with ignition switch, start relay. Dealer should be able to tell with signal tracing, why starter is not getting energize signal Bad sun-roof drains or hood cowl drains can also cause a condition of "no start" due to accumulation of water around the computer connections. This thing has several computers and corrosion on the connectors will screw the system.

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