Mercedes-Benz 500SL Car is hard to start Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(11)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(11)

Car is hard to start Inspection Service

How much does a Car is hard to start Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz 500SL Car is hard to start Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1991 Mercedes-Benz 500SLV8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
Show example Mercedes-Benz 500SL Car is hard to start Inspection prices

A car that is hard to start can be a major inconvenience. While this is usually not a life threatening malfunction, it can make getting around much more difficult. There are a number of issues that will make a car hard to start. Everything from the electrical system to the fuel system to the actual starter itself can be the problem.

Finding the root cause of a hard starting engine can take some investigation. Ignoring a hard starting issue can further damage the vehicle, which will often result in a more expensive repair.

How this system works:

In order to get an engine running, it must be turned at speed so that it starts to suck fuel and air into the cylinders, and then compress and ignite this fuel/air mixture.

The starter motor is an electric motor that turns the engine to get it started. The starter motor has a small pinion gear wheel that engages with a larger gear ring at the rim of the engine flywheel.

The starter motor draws the electric current it needs to run from the battery. The starter needs a heavy current and to avoid sparking a solenoid is used. The ignition switch operates the starter motor. When the ignition is turned on, current is fed to the solenoid and into the starter motor. Once the car engine starts and the key is released, the starter motor turns off.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Bad Starter: Over time starter motors can wear out and start to malfunction. If this is the problem the starter will have to be replaced. If the car turns over, the problem is not the starter. If nothing happens when the key is turned the problem could be the starter, or if the car turns over very slowly and the dash lights dim while it is cranking, the starter could be the culprit.

  • Bad Relay Wiring: The wiring between the battery and starter can become loose or broken which will prevent the starter motor from functioning. The wiring will need to be replaced or repaired.

  • Low or Dead Battery: The starter motor needs voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or failing it may not produce enough current for the starter motor to function. Charging or replacing the batter should resolve this problem.

It is also possible that the battery terminals have become corroded or loose. Cleaning and tightening the terminals and cables is recommended.

  • Failing Solenoid: A failing solenoid is a common issue with the starter system and if the solenoid is going bad, the car will be difficult to start. The starter will need to be inspected to determine if the problem is the starter motor itself or the solenoid. A failing solenoid will need to be replaced.

  • Failing Ignition Switch: Over time an ignition switch can start to fail and one of the most common symptoms is that the car is hard to start. If the ignition switch is hot to the touch this indicates an issue with the ignition switch wiring. A failing ignition switch will eventually stop working completely and will need to be replaced.

  • Defective Fuel Pump: If the engine is not getting enough fuel, it will be hard, if not impossible to start. The fuel pump is responsible for pulling gas from the tank to the injectors and if it is not delivering enough fuel the car will be difficult to start and eventually will not start at all.

  • Fouled Plugs: Spark plugs create the spark which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Fouled plugs are one of the most common reasons for a hard starting engine. As electrodes wear down, the voltage required to jump the gap to ignite the fuel increases. This can lead to prolonged cranking before the engine will start.

  • Clogged Fuel Filter: A fuel filter that is clogged can make a vehicle very difficult to start. The fuel filter screens out contaminants and can become clogged over time. This will prevent the injectors from getting enough fuel, making the car hard to start.

  • Contaminated Fuel: Fuel that has too much alcohol or water in it will result in a car that is difficult and often impossible to start. Even if it does start, contaminated fuel can do serious damage to the engine. If contaminated fuel is suspected, have the vehicle inspected immediately.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the source and cause of the hard to start issue, ​and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The starter, battery, connecting wiring and other important components will be inspected by the mechanic. This may include the vehicle's fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, ignition and more. It may be necessary for the mechanic to crank up the car to verify the problem and issue an accurate diagnosis.

How important is this service?

If a car is hard to start, it's indicative of a major condition preventing normal operation and if left unattended it may lead to the car not starting at all. The vehicle should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(11)

Rating Summary
11
0
0
0
0
11
0
0
0
0

John

27 years of experience
1019 reviews
John
27 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - Car idle is rough - Texas City, Texas
Nice job works to get it right

Allen

36 years of experience
471 reviews
Allen
36 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Longwood, Florida
Allen is a very professional individual. His only goal was to answer or address my questions or concerns that came up during the pre-purchase inspection that I contracted for.

Peter

43 years of experience
1321 reviews
Peter
43 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - Oil Change - Scottsdale, Arizona
Good mechanic. Very professional

Jahmar

18 years of experience
36 reviews
Jahmar
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz 500SL V8-5.0L - fuel distrbuter - Boca Raton, Florida
Everything was very professional.

Excellent Rating

(11)

Rating Summary
11
0
0
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
Number of Mercedes-Benz 500SL services completed
121+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Is it Safe to Drive With an Ear Infection?
An An ear infection is a viral or bacterial infection that affects the middle ear. Ear infections cause inflammation and buildup of fluids in the middle ear, which make them painful. Ear infections usually go away with treatment from a...
P0308 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected
P0308 Code Definition Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected What the P0308 code means The P0308 trouble code means that the powertrain control module...
How to Replace a Courtesy Light Switch in Most Cars
The courtesy light switch is broken if the open door does not turn on the light. This means the switch in the door jamb does not work.

My car shows the Check Engine Light and DPF lights and coil light on the dashboard. What action should I take?

Hi. The EGR valve needs to be replaced (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/exhaust-gas-recirculation-egr-valve-replacement) and the passages to the EGR need to be cleaned. The EGR location is very tricky to get to so you may need a professional technician (such as one from YourMechanic)...

RPMs jumps at idle, & sometimes stalls when gas applied after a stop at alight or sign and won't restart for a minute or so

Hello. A stalling issue (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-stalling-inspection) like this may take some time to figure out. If you suspect your fuel tank is dirty, you may want to drop it and inspect it. However, these symptoms are more likely to be related...

What is the cost of changing engine in 2006 Cadillac Dts 4.6L?

Sent question to CS for billing question about swapping an engine from an engine with a high mileage to an engine with a low mileage.

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com