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Hi,
The fact that my father-in-law has an SLK230 presents us with a little challenge. His move into a nursing home or hospice has forced us to clean out his home. His vehicle sits on the driveway. We have tried charging the battery, replacing the batteries in the key fobs, making sure the central locking is functional, and checking the fuel level, but the car still won't start.


There is a personalised license plate, so I can't say for sure what year it is.

While my father-in-law does remember driving it a few years ago, he has no idea what the secret is to starting it up these days and thus cannot provide any advice. I don't see any sign of an imobiliser, and the key fob is just a regular fob—no special features like a remote control or anything like that.

You may find us at Diss, Norfolk. I would much appreciate any suggestions, ideas, tips, or things to try.

Much obliged.

While the batteries in the key fob do send a signal to the central locking system, they do not actually start the vehicle. An induction loop in the ignition switch ensures that the key will still be identified while in the ignition, even if you remove the batteries from the fob.

Is the starting motor necessary to switch over the engine? In that case, how slow is it? No amount of charging will be enough to get an old battery to turn over. Can you see the car's battery voltage when it's running? Jump leads from a different vehicle might be an option.


Another possible issue with stale gasoline is that it might not start, but this is less likely to happen until the fuel has been sitting for a long period.

Can you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the ignition on (not to start)?

Some Mercedes mifrlds have electronic ignition switches that don't work, so if that doesn't work, try slamming your palm on the cowling around the key.

Be on the lookout for evidence of wiring damage under the hood, Aldo. Rats and other critters may have been residing in the engine compartment and eaten through wires if the vehicle was left outside and unattended.

You can find out when the car was initially registered by looking up its MOT history on the government website.

Finally, I was wondering whether the car had breakdown insurance or if you or anybody in your family has other policies that may be used in this situation.

I wish you the best.

Hi,
Your comment is very appreciated; thank you.


It cheerfully spins the engine for 30–40 seconds, therefore the battery is OK.

Regarding the several suggestions, including breakdown cover, I will follow your lead.

I hope for the best...

Oh, and one silly question: can I use diesel or unleaded petrol in it?

Don't expect SLK to be a diesel.

No lead, same as before.

Have you ever attempted the time-honoured method of taking the spark plug out to check for a spark when the engine goes over?

This might be an electrical problem if you haven't, or it could be a fuelling problem if you have.