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Mercedes Won’t Start But Lights Turn On

Mercedes Won't Start But Lights Turn On

If your Mercedes fails to start, but the lights turn on, you may think this is a serious problem. Fortunately, this is a common problem that can be fixed once the issue is identified. Let’s take a look at why your vehicle refuses to start even when the lights will come on.

Reasons Why Your Mercedes Won’t Start But The Lights Turn On

The common reasons why this occurs is due to a dead car battery, starter issue, or a blown fuse. Let’s go into detail on these problems below.

1. Dead Car Battery

One reason why your Mercedes may do this is because there is a dead or dying battery present. Car components like headlights, radios and other electronic parts do not need a lot of power. So, the charge runs on low and even on a dead battery. The engine, however, may need 300 amps to start. Unfortunately, this is too high for a battery that is operating on a low charge. At this time, the lights will continue to work, but the car won’t start.

You can use a hydrometer to test the battery’s charge. If it does test low, you’ll need to replace the battery. Whenever the battery features a low charge, you can charge it from another battery.

This way, you’ll be able to solve the problem of the Mercedes not turning over. If, by chance, the car does not start even after a battery replacement, it may mean the car has a blown fuse.

2. Starter Issue

A starter that is not operating properly can also cause this issue. The electric motor is responsible for cranking up the engine to fire up your car. The starter will consist of the solenoid and motor that takes the power of the battery and gives it to both the flywheel and motor.

This means it requires high current to ultimately start the car. If the car does not start and the battery doesn’t have enough charge, the starter motor could be the main culprit behind the issue. Here are a few indicators that you have a starter problem:

  • The starter does crank, but the car won’t start.
  • The car may start in neutral mode, but not when it is parked.
  • The lights dim noticeably when the car is started.

Any of the reasons noted above can cause damage to the starter and prevent the car from turning over.

3. Blown Fuse

It is quite easy to tell when you have a blown fuse, fortunately. Detecting a blown fuse is typically the first step toward determining the exact issue. The accessories in your car will lose power when there is a blown fuse.

Its fuse will appear disjointed, or the circuit will eventually start to overload. This can cause the engine to not turn over even when the lights have come on. Reference your owner’s manual for the location of the fuse box.

If the metal wire becomes damaged or disconnected, a blown fuse may be stopping the power from reaching out to the starter relay. It’s possible the Mercedes’ ignition switch is not working properly if there is a fuse problem.

Conclusion

All of the most common reasons why a Mercedes won’t start yet the lights will turn on have been covered. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the experienced team at Tech Plus Automotive for more information!

European Auto Repair By Tech Plus Automotive In Scottsdale, AZ

At Tech Plus Automotive, we specialize in providing exceptional European auto repair in Scottsdale, AZ, for a diverse range of distinguished brands. From the sophisticated elegance of Mercedes-Benz to the unmatched performance of Porsche, the classic allure of BMW to the innovative engineering of Audi, we’ve honed our expertise to ensure your vehicle receives the care it merits. Contact our experienced team right here!

Images by Baloncici from Getty Images via Canva Pro

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