Mercedes-Benz SL500 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

(115)

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

(115)

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 SL500 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
1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2004 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
2000 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$117.28 - $130.25
1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500V8-5.0LService typeCar is hard to start InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$117.94 - $131.39
Show example Mercedes-Benz SL500 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

(115)

Rating Summary
107
8
0
0
0
107
8
0
0
0

Bereketeab

7 years of experience
110 reviews
Bereketeab
7 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz SL500 V8-5.0L - Oil/Fluid Leak - Sacramento, California
ON TIME

Phillip

17 years of experience
85 reviews
Phillip
17 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz SL500 V8-5.0L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front) - San Antonio, Texas

Corey

18 years of experience
372 reviews
Corey
18 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz SL500 V8-5.0L - Battery - Charlotte, North Carolina
He was right on time, friendly fast service. Can’t beat it! Great job.

Steven

16 years of experience
97 reviews
Steven
16 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz SL500 V8-5.0L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Sacramento, California
a job well done!!! saved me from making a $23,000 mistake plus $3500 in repairs. thanks Steven. Your New Best Friend.

Excellent Rating

(115)

Rating Summary
107
8
0
0
0
107
8
0
0
0
Number of Mercedes-Benz SL500 services completed
1265+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan GT-R
Sporty, Sporty, fast, aggressive – all those words apply to the 2012 Nissan GT-R. This track-inspired car manages to bring racecar-like performance to the street, and it does so in true Nissan style. Key Features It’s tough to choose specific...
P0063 OBD-II Trouble Code: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
P0063 P0063 trouble code definition Trouble code P0062 indicates that the heater element used to heat up an oxygen sensor has malfunctioned. To switch on an oxygen sensor either a power or a ground is supplied to the sensor. A...
P0714 OBD-II Trouble Code: Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent
P0714 code means there is an abnormal transmission temperature often due too low transmission fluid and faulty parts.

Black smoke issuing from vehicle and burning oil.

Hello, There is a common problem with the PCV valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pcv-valve-hose-replacement) allowing oil to enter into the intake and burn oil on these cars. There is a modified PCV valve that has been made to prevent this from happening. I...

Hose leaking antifreeze

Hello. The most common coolant leak that suddenly occurs on this engine is a water pump malfunction. It will start leaking coolant and it will appear to come from near the rear of the engine. It is also possible that...

Transmission shifts up and down randomly.

Hi There, What you are describing sounds like possibly a bad speed sensor or potentially a faulty transmission control module, which also controls the speed sensors. The transmission control module has various sensors such as vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed...

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