[diesel_mercedes] Caitlin's No Start

 


I see lotsa posts here and I don't want to overwhelm you but :

A. you asked

~and~

B. I'm not only a Journeyman Mechanic but also a " Yankee Thrifty " (piker cheapskate) so my suggestions will usually involve much less $ and usually some labor on your part , ready ? O.K. lets begin :

Take two cheap Dollar Store wrenches , one 13 X 14 MM , one 1/2" X 9/16" , both to be the double ended typ with one open end and one closed or ' box' end , pop your hood and support it with your left hand whilst you fiddle with the little releasing lock on the leading edge of the hinge's joint with your right hand , once it pulls out a bit , you can raise the hood a tiny bit more , now go 'round and do the same thing on the right side hood hinge and the hood can easily be raised straight up , making battery service dead easy . (cool, eh ? those whacky Germans) DO NOT force it ! .

Look at the battery , one cable will be obviously connected to the body , use the box end wrench that fits the nut snugly (now you see why I had you bring both Metric & Fractional tools) to loosen the nut whilst holding the cable with your other hand so it doesn't move the post & damage the battery , once the nut is a turn ot three loose , twist the clamp , as soon as it moves, reverse direction & lift gently , a few wiggles and it'll pop off , tuck it down behind the battery & repeat on the other cable & clamp , put the tools away and lift the _HEAVY_ (800 + CCA) battery out & set it on whatever you have to drag it back to the house in , old shopping cart , wagon etc. once it's home , set it in the laundry sink & wash it well with soap then connect your cheapo $13 WallyMart 3A. battery charger& leave it alone for at least 12 hours , meanwhilst you can /might / prolly should mix up a coffee can full of hot water & baking soda and use that to soak the battery cable ends until they no longer fizz , then rinse well and blot dry with paper towels .

Once the battery is charged , place it back in the car and connect the + cable first , then the - Cable , it is *very* important to always disconnect the ground cable first and connect it last , this prevent sparks , fires , burned hands , ruined batteries and blindness caused when the battery explodes in your face .

See if the car cranks & starts , if it clicks , try turning on the headlights ~ they work ? good , now , leave them on and see if they go out when you try to crank it .

If they go out , there's a connection problem .

If they remain bright and the engine doesn't crank , there's a relay / starter keyswitch problem , no worries , we'll get you going soon .

How you address it , makes the job go easier and repairs last longer & co$t le$$ too =8-) .

-Nate

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