Car won't start

Asked by GuruXJB5 Apr 09, 2017 at 12:35 PM about the 2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My Mercedes c180 cgi 2010 auto won't start. The
car lights come on, the radio works but the air con
won't come on. The key will turn but non of the
dash lights come on and the steering doesn't
unlock. Iv check the battery and its is fine. What
could be the problem?

1 Answer

55

Sounds like a steering column issue just had mine fixed some how the the security system or key fob on the steering column. may need to be replaced. Many things cause "no start conditions" Replacement of the battery should rule the battery out and also the alternator charge as the new battery should have many "starts" in it. The alternator could have a bad diode, and thus discharge the battery when it is not working. Should be an easy diagnose. Put an amp meter on the main and secondary positive leads and check for current flow with systems off. If older car with many starts, the starter motor would be next suspect. Turn on the headlights and try to start. If the headlights dim but engine doesn't crank, the starter could be shorted. If lights don't dim but still no start, starter could be open. Starters usually fail with intermittent starts. This should not throw a lot of codes unless it is shorted. If the battery is pulled low by a shorted starter, all sorts of miscellaneous codes will be thrown. Especially, for some reason, a low battery throws a transmission fault. Neutral/park switch is next "no start" failure. Usually will not throw codes. Wiggle gear shift while trying to start. Next is the key fob battery. If this is an older truck, a low battery in the key will cause the security not to be recognized. However, again this does not usually throw a lot of codes, unless you have not serviced the car regularly and the codes are from something else. Same with ignition switch, start relay. Dealer should be able to tell with signal tracing, why starter is not getting energize signal Bad sun-roof drains or hood cowl drains can also cause a condition of "no start" due to accumulation of water around the computer connections. This thing has several computers and corrosion on the connectors will screw the system.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2010 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Lorne Grandison
    Reputation
    12,450
  • #2
    zabi
    Reputation
    5,600
  • #3
    PPC123
    Reputation
    5,150
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
714 Great Deals out of 10,153 listings starting at $2,200
Used BMW 3 Series
1,123 Great Deals out of 12,900 listings starting at $850
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
302 Great Deals out of 6,914 listings starting at $2,499
Used BMW M3
65 Great Deals out of 1,104 listings starting at $12,000
Used Dodge Charger
752 Great Deals out of 29,298 listings starting at $930
Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
92 Great Deals out of 1,177 listings starting at $3,498
Used BMW 5 Series
876 Great Deals out of 11,445 listings starting at $700
Used Chevrolet Corvette
713 Great Deals out of 12,248 listings starting at $3,200
Used Ford Mustang
875 Great Deals out of 22,933 listings starting at $783

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class For Sale
76 Great Deals out of 7,410 listings starting at $42,900
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class For Sale
136 Great Deals out of 1,435 listings starting at $34,888
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class For Sale
34 Great Deals out of 296 listings starting at $28,998
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class For Sale
107 Great Deals out of 1,057 listings starting at $18,995
2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class For Sale
83 Great Deals out of 1,045 listings starting at $16,526

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.