2000 c280 will not turn over

...well yes there IS a neutral safety switch (so you don't run anyone over by mistake on startup)...but this is not the problem....must have really soaked everything...the seats....the ignition switch...where I believe the problem lies...I'd take a look at the ignition switch for water damage...test the power in/power out and make sure it does switch still~

thank you for your reply. When i turn the key the lights and it appears all the power is out... radio is on lights on the panel. Just when i turn the key to start the engine does not turn over. Could the ignition switch still be the problem?

how old is your battery? moisture may have imposed a parasitic drain...a five year old battery will not hold up the end of the deal...buy a NEW one and stop screwin' around with grandpa~

Battery is fine, i replaced it recently and have checked the charge. All lights are on on the instrument panel and the all works except the car not turning over.... its a little early for the moonshine grandpa~

if it's newer than five throw a schumbacher charger on there for eight hours~

previous owner indicated the solenoid switch in the gear box was removed and cleaned to correct the problem before... do you have a link for step by step instructions or an online manual?

the CRITICAL connection is the 1/0 cable as it attaches to the chassis/frame which has to carry three hundred cold-cranking amps, here and the connection to the motor block (near the alternator) these have to be 1/0 cable to pull that much current without catching fire...speaking of which that connection actually "welds" itself in position and also is the base for the ground of all the delicate components such as the fuel pump, ignition and lights~

all lights work, radio works and the constant beeping of the door being open while working... car just will not turn over. I can however move the gear stick thru the gears now :) previously couldn't do that. its an automatic transmission

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCEDES-BENZ-Original-Owners-Manual- MANY-MODELS-AVAILABLE-User-Owners-Guide-/171034474293? pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2000%7CModel %3AC280&hash=item27d272f735&vxp=mtr

WD-40 is a keen water displacer....used to use it to remove moisture from the ignition systems after an engine steam clean~

tri-flo with teflon has a plastic "straw" where you can squirt it into water soaked areas~

where is the starter relay located?

Cannot really think of an operative solenoid down there other than the neutral-safety to stop you from using the selector stick...aside from that cannot think...maybe a shift modulator...have you been having problems with the behavior of this transmission?

The starter solenoid is piggy-back the starter motor~

there is a honkin 1/0 battery cable going to it...and the ignition switch enables the magnetic plunger~ you could test this wire (yellow, I think) that should juice when the key is turned to the 'start' position~

transmission is perfect - car is in excellent shape except for the sunroof open during a rainstorm :) I'll check the magnetic plunger - thank you

this "magnetic plunger" slams into two contacts. is needed because of the high-amperage load and integral to your gear-reduction starter~

have you looked at the sunroof fuse? need help with that?