Not starting it only clicks

Tiny
NICHOLAS JONES
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 MERCEDES BENZ S430
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I try to crank and all it does is click. I took my starter to AutoZone and they said it is still good. I was suppose to change the oil this month could that cause the car not to start as well?
Sunday, May 13th, 2018 AT 8:54 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com. First, as long as there is oil in the engine, a slightly over due change will not cause this.

Next, most times when you only get a click, it is either a weak battery or a poor connection. At this point, I strongly recommend check the battery. Here are directions for doing that yourself:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Next, if the battery checks good, check battery terminals. Make sure they are in good condition, clean, and tight. Most often, the ground cable will become corroded or loose where it attaches to the body. So, check there too.

I have attached a picture of the battery location and ground wire. Plus, if you do not have a ground retention unit, what will need to be done if the cable is removed.

1. Fold back trunk cover.
2. Connect quiescent current retention unit.
3. Loosen nut (2) and disconnect ground lead (1) from battery.
4. Connect ground lead.
Note: Perform work described below only if quiescent current retention unit was not connected

5. Code radio
Note: See owner's manual

6. Set time on instrument cluster.
7. Activate steering angle sensor.
8. Synchronize power windows.
Note: See owner's manual.

9. Synchronize sliding/pop-up roof.
Note: See Owner's Manual

10. Synchronize jacket tube module.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, May 14th, 2018 AT 7:15 PM

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