Q: Car wouldn't start, electronics work
The other day the engine shut off completely. I tried to jump start it but it just wouldn't. The electronic features seems to be working fine. The lights and beeping sounds work normally. However the car wouldn't start. Then, out of the blue it started about 20 minutes later. What could be causing this?
Recommended Services
| Fuel Pump Replacement | $145.32 - $1299.70 | Get a Quote |
| Battery Replacement | $247.05 - $377.49 | Get a Quote |
| Battery Cable Replacement | Get a Quote | |
| Starter Replacement | $169.22 - $1153.49 | Get a Quote |
| Ignition Switch Replacement | $178.14 - $866.79 | Get a Quote |
| Car is not starting Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hello there. Thanks for writing in about your 2001 Mercedes CLK430. There are a few potential causes for this. Most common would be a fuel pump, battery, battery cable, starter, or ignition switch. Any of those parts could be intermittently failing causing the issues to not always be present. Have a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the starting issue in person to make a more precise diagnosis and repair.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What does a carburetor do?
In the simplest of terms, carburetors provide atomized fuel to the engine for combustion. By using air pressure and a series of mechanical control devices, carburetors can take liquid fuel from the gas tank and mix it with air as...
my car makes a humming noise under the hood while I'm driving and parked. could it be a fuel pump issue or ignition problem?
A humming noise can be the engine electrical cooling fan. The fuel pump is in the rear of the vehicle so that is not as likely to be the cause. To pinpoint the fault, I would have a certified technician...
brake pedal goes straight to the floor after replacing all 4 brake lines and pads and calipers
This brake system has an anti-lock (ABS) system. This system prevents wheel lock-up during a hard braking event to came tire contact area on the road and effective. When air is introduced to the brake system it can get trapped...
Loud clunk, smoking and leaking, car shakes
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 2001 Hyundai Elantra. This sounds serious - like the engine broke a connecting rod, which punctured the oil pan, and dumped the oil. Checking your oil level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-check-your-engine-oil) with the engine dipstick...
To shift into drive gear, have to rev engine
Hi there, thanks for writing in about your 1982 Ford F-100. The new modulators may be to blame if the parts are not exactly like the original one and made somewhat the same way. This can lead to improper performance....
Will low differential fluid in my buick rainier cause jerking when turning vehicle?
Hello, thank you for writing in. The rear differential will make the vehicle skip or turn roughly when backing up or in a forward gear. It will feel as if the 4 wheel drive is active, and cause issues with...
Clicking Sound
What you are describing sounds like a faulty starter solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-replacement). A faulty starter solenoid will generally produce a clicking sound when turning the key. The starter solenoid is located on the starter and has internal electrical contacts that transmit...
New batt New alt batt voltage still drops?
It's possible that the charging circuit is not properly connected (wiring, fuse, or ground fault) or there is some large excess current draw in your car's electrical system. Basically, if the battery is new and fully charged and charging system...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Combining Combining rugged performance with an iconic boxy exterior style, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a hallmark of the SUV segment. It manages to combine true off-road capabilities with luxurious comfort and outstanding on-road performance in a way that most...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Electronic Ignition Pickup
If your car has an electronic distributor ignition system and the engine stalls or car does not start, you may have to replace the ignition pickup.
How to Get Mercedes-Benz Dealership Certified
Mercedes Benz dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to those certified through Mercedes-Benz's Automotive Systems Technical & ELITE programs.
Browse other content
Estimates
Cities
Services