Experiencing a no-start issue with your 2002 Mercedes Benz Clk 320 can be frustrating. You turn the key, the instrument cluster lights up normally, but the engine refuses to crank or start. This problem can begin intermittently, perhaps once a week, but escalate to multiple times a day, causing significant inconvenience. Before assuming expensive repairs are necessary, consider a simple DIY fix that many 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 owners have successfully used.
This issue often stems from faulty relays within your vehicle’s system. Relays are essentially electrical switches, and over time, their internal contacts can degrade, leading to intermittent or complete failure. If you’re familiar with basic car maintenance, you can inspect and potentially resolve this issue yourself, saving considerable money compared to dealership service.
The solution involves checking and cleaning the relays located in the driver’s side hood module, often referred to as the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module). Specifically, focus on the starter relay and the engine relay. While the starter relay might appear to have good contacts, intermittent issues can still occur. The engine relay, on the other hand, is often found to have corroded or blackened internal contacts, which are common culprits for starting problems in the 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK 320.
To address this, carefully disassemble the relays. Many relays can be opened to expose the internal contacts. Once open, gently clean the contacts using fine-grit sandpaper or contact paper. This process removes corrosion and restores proper electrical conductivity. While you’re at it, consider cleaning the infrared lens on your key fob and the key receiver in your 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK 320. Disassemble the key, clean its internal components, and replace the batteries.
These seemingly minor steps can often eliminate the no-start problem. Many owners of the 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 have reported success after performing these simple cleaning procedures. To ensure long-term reliability, consider replacing the critical relays. The “R” relay (terminal 87 relay, engine) and the “S” relay (starter relay) are the primary suspects. You can order genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement relays. The part number for the “R” relay is A 002 542 26 19, and for the “S” relay, it’s A 002 542 92 19. Purchasing these relays will cost a fraction of what a dealer might charge for diagnosing and repairing the issue, potentially fixing your 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 for under $100.
It’s worth noting that dealerships sometimes tend to replace more expensive components in an attempt to resolve car starting problems, without first addressing simpler and often overlooked issues like relay contact corrosion. By starting with these basic checks and fixes, you can proactively troubleshoot your 2002 Mercedes Benz CLK 320 and potentially avoid unnecessary and costly repairs. This DIY approach empowers you to maintain your vehicle effectively and understand its systems better.
