SRS Malfunction Mercedes Car Won’t Start (Solutions)

Mercedes car’s SRS system controls airbags, safety belts, and other safety features. When the computer detects a malfunction in the SRS system, it activates the SRS light.

If you experience an SRS malfunction Mercedes car won’t start problem, it can be the result of a damaged battery, steering locks, or faulty alternator. You’ll need an advanced scanning tool to diagnose the underlying problems, repair or replace the faulty parts, and reset the system to fix the issue.

What Does SRS Malfunction Mercedes Car won’t Start Mean?

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light stays on in Mercedes when the car detects any issue with the airbags or the SRS system’s components. SRS systems monitor the function of plenty of components in the vehicle including airbags, crash sensors, SRS modules, and child occupancy sensors.

It also controls the operation of belt force limiters and emergency tensioning devices. If your car causes an SRS malfunction Mercedes car won’t start the problem, you should start troubleshooting with this device.

In most cases, SRS light stays on for around five seconds after turning on the ignition during starting the vehicle and then turns off automatically. But if the light stays on continuously, bring the car to the workshop.

Reasons of SRS Warning Light on Car Dashboards And Not Starting

If you can’t start the car’s engine, it can be the result of a dead battery, defective airbag, damaged steering lock, or faulty SRS module. If the problem is serious, the car’s computer prevents the engine from starting. In this case, you have to tow the vehicle to a Mercedes dealer or auto repair shop, run a scanner tool, and fix the problem accordingly.

If your Mercedes car’s SRS light malfunctions and the vehicle doesn’t start, it can be the result of a dead battery, blown starter motor, failing alternator, or other issues. Let’s explain:

1. Damaged Battery

If you experience an SRS malfunction and the car won’t start issue at a time on a Mercedes car, it can be mostly the result of a dead battery. The Mercedes car’s battery typically lasts around ten years.

If you hear a clicking noise while starting the engine, you may need to replace the battery earlier as it indicates a low battery problem and leaves an SRS error message. The voltage of the car battery should be between 11v to 12.6v.

2. Electric Steering Lock

The not-start issue on Mercedes may be caused by a bad electronic steering lock. If the steering lock fails to release the steering, the car’s computer prevents the engine from starting. If so, you won’t hear noise after inserting the key.

To fix the problem, you have to replace the steering lock and it may cost around $400. Since your car won’t start, you may need to tow the car to the dealer to check and replace the lock.

3. Bad Starter

The starter is a small motor that cranks the car’s main motor to start the engine and ensure ongoing combustion. If the starter gets damaged, your Mercedes car won’t start and you may hear a clicking noise while holding the key.

To verify the issue, check the starter physically which is placed under the intake manifold by the engine’s top on the Mercedes car. Replacing the starter may cost around $300 to $500 for the part and about $300 for labor. Replacing the starter takes around one and a half hours and a wrench.

4. Faulty SRS Module

The SRS module or airbag control unit impacts deploying airbags. It also stores crash impact data. If the SRS module malfunctions, your Mercedes car may activate the SRS light and won’t start.

5. Damaged Crash Sensors

Crash sensors detect collisions and trigger the right action from the SRS system. So, a damaged SRS system may cause SRS malfunction and prevent the car from starting.

6. Defective Airbag

Airbags are a vital part of the SRS system to protect occupants during accidents. If the car’s computer detects a problem with the airbag, it can activate the SRS light to warn you that the airbag might not deploy properly.

How To Fix SRS Malfunction on a Mercedes Car?

The SRS light doesn’t reset automatically. Even after addressing the problem, you have to reset the light manually. In most cases, the SRS light turns on due to a dying battery.

If so, you have to replace the battery and then reset the light using a more advanced tool than the OBD II scanner as it can only provide the check engine light codes. In this case, you can use the YOUCANIC full system scanner and follow this instruction to reset the SRS light on the Mercedes Benz:

• Find the fuse panel cover which is located on the control panel’s lower left side on the car’s driver side. Remove the cover and you’ll notice a port that fits the OBD cable.
• Plug your SRS light scanner tool into the port.
• Insert the key into the ignition and rotate it to the run position till before the engine starts position.
• Check the scanner device and note the code displayed on the tool.
• Check the Mercedes’s owner’s manual to understand the codes.
• Disconnect the scanning device and put back the fuse panel cover. Take the car to the local Mercedes dealer. Based on the code, the technician will repair or replace the faulty parts. It may need to fix the seat occupancy sensor, repair the steering wheel clock springs, or replace seat belt latches.
• Once done, insert the key into the ignition switch and rotate to the run position. The SRS light should turn off.

How To Reset The SRS Light On Mercedes without A Scanner?

You can try to reset the SRS light on Mercedes using the ignition key and it may work unless a serious issue doesn’t trigger the light.

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position. The airbag light should turn on and stay for around seven seconds and shut off automatically.

Then turn off the switch and wait for three seconds. Repeat this process for two more times. Then start the engine. SRS light will turn on for seven seconds and turn off automatically to ensure a successful SRS system reset.

Can You Drive With SRS Light On?

Yes, you can drive with the SRS light on as it won’t affect your driving efficiency. But the SRS warning light came on due to a problem with the airbag system. It means the airbag won’t deploy when you get in a collision. Even after wearing a seatbelt, you may still end up hitting something hard during an accident.

Another problem is that, in states like New York and Ontario, you won’t get a safety certificate and a new sticker for your license plate due to activating the SRS light. Your vehicle won’t also pass the annual inspection with the SRS light on.

Car insurance companies also take this safety feature into account. So while driving with the SRS light, if the car crash and someone is injured or killed, and the stored code say that the airbag is faulty, the insurance company can wipe the insurance cover. The insurance company will also chase after you and take you to court and sue.

Though driving with SRS light is legal, you shouldn’t compromise safety. Instead fix the car to avoid the consequences.

FAQs

Final Words

SRS malfunctioning Mercedes car won’t start is a serious issue. If your car’s SRS system malfunctions and the car won’t start, take the vehicle to a Mercedes dealer and let them fix the problem. However, if you notice the symptoms of SRS malfunction or SRS light, solve the issue immediately before it prevents the car from starting. Otherwise, your car won’t be able to protect you during a collision.