Will not start, ESP and stabilizer lights are on?

KATZBENZ

MEMBER
2004 MERCEDES BENZ S500
170,000 MILES

I've changed the ignition switch and got a new key. The previous keys and switch stopped working. The key fob turns, and dashboard lights up, but the car won't start. I replaced the battery and still car won't start, it doesn't even crank over. The ESP light is on and stabilizer light I believe it's parentheses with a I in the middle that stays on. I also replaced the starter also the steering wheel doesn't lock. I've always had an issue with the ESP but if I pressed it a number of times the car would start, I haven't been able to start it for a year now.

Monday, March 27th, 2023 AT 8:21 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
50,859 POSTS

Hello,

The first thing I would like you to check all fuses with the system on, here is a guide and the fuse locations in the images below:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

If all fuses are okay let's run a CAN scan on the car. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

If not codes come up or if the codes have nothing to do with the car not cranking over let's try a hard system reboot which is done by removing the negative side of the battery, with the cable loose from the negative side of the battery, hold it to the positive terminal for 1 minute this will discharge the memory capacitors in the BCM and PCM allowing the system to reboot.

Also, I would like to try a starter relay here is a wiring diagram of the starter circuit so you can see how the system works. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)