The dashboard lights of the R129 SL500 illuminate

mezy

Greetings, I own a 1998 Mercedes SL500, which lately failed to start, leaving me stuck at the shop. Interestingly, it began without issue when I left, but when returning to exit the business, it failed to start. I did not hear any clicking or similar sounds. I had it towed and attempted to start it again the next morning, and it started without issue.

I drove to AutoZone to have the battery checked, and the results were OK; nevertheless, the vehicle failed to crank when I attempted to start it again. Rather than having it towed, I waited 30 minutes and attempted to start it again, which it did successfully, leaving me perplexed. Could it be a defective starter, relay, or ignition switch? Furthermore, it did not generate any codes that would suggest any issues.

bebbmi

Initially, the Crankcase Position Sensor, particularly for the later R129 models.

mezy

It is the crankshaft position sensor. The crankcase constitutes the actual engine block.

I also suspect that the issue lies with the crankshaft position sensor, since he indicates that the engine does not even crank. Consequently, it cannot be the CKP.

sandra

Check the fuses and fuse terminals, despite the apparent simplicity. Additionally, examine codes if you own a reader (no blink reader available for 1998).

TURTLEMAN

Verify the voltage output from the start/neutral safety switch. Attempt to start it in neutral.

mezy

It starts in a neutral state.

TURTLEMAN

If it starts in neutral but not in park, then the issue lies with your neutral safety switch.

1480midge

The gear shift bushings have deteriorated.