190E occasional non starter

[Mercedes 190E]

My mate has a really nice late 190E (2 litre auto) that I got for him a few months ago. He is really pleased with it, but lately has had an occasional starting problem. When it first happened, he went to start it, all dash lights on, but no starter at all. He called out the AA who messed around extensively with the transmission selector and managed to start it, diagnosing a sticky inhibitor switch. He then took it to his trusted local mechanic who agreed and changed the switch. It then worked fine for a couple of weeks, but now, occasionally (say once a week) the same thing happens. He has however then managed to start it by just trying repeatedly. His mechanic has checked the usual suspects-battery, starter, leads, earths and all seem OK. My thoughts are that either there is a fault in the inhibitor wiring or that maybe the electrical ignition switch is faulty.
Does anyone else have any other ideas? I should add that he lives 100 miles from me and knows very little about cars, so I have to give him clear instructions to convey to his mechanic!!
Thanks very much in advance.

 

[roofless]

it might be the starter solenoid or brushes on the way out ?

 

[television]

Ignition switches can do this, as above solenoid on starter, its quite simple but 10 times harder on a sometimes switch.

If a K38 starter lock out relay is fitted, the these are known to have poor connections, but not sure if that car has one. If fitted its on the bulkhead just behind the radio

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Ignition switches can do this, as above solenoid on starter, its quite simple but 10 times harder on a sometimes switch.

If a K38 starter lock out relay is fitted, the these are known to have poor connections, but not sure if that car has one. If fitted its on the bulkhead just behind the radio

I don't suppose you have a diagram of that relay Malcolm, just to confirm where it is? Many thanks.
I will send all ideas to him and see what happens....

 

[television]

I do not have that much, but I have copied off a 201 alarm system that incorporates a starter lock out.

I might do better with the VIN first 6 numbers.

I need an Email address please

 

[television]

I have dealt with 2 x 201's D version with a poor /broken earth strap on the engine

 

[television]

Paper sent John, see how it goes, it is the whole install alarm

 

[Mercedes 190E]

Thanks Malcolm !

 

[toadoftoadhall]

already posted a similar problem before finding this thread. Mine is a 2002 C220 cdi.

toad

 

[television]

already posted a similar problem before finding this thread. Mine is a 2002 C220 cdi.

toad

It is being answered now we know what the car is