2009 MB C350 - Enough Power to Turn Lights and Nothing Else

My parents' 2009 MB C350 has basically stopped working. There's enough power from the battery that the console lights turn on when we put the key in, but there isn't enough power to do anything else, including rolling up the windows.

We've tried giving the car a boost with no results. It doesn't make any sounds when we try to start it either.

Any idea what it could be?

Still sounds like the battery, go get it checked at CT

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Originally Posted by sexualbanana

My parents' 2009 MB C350 has basically stopped working. There's enough power from the battery that the console lights turn on when we put the key in, but there isn't enough power to do anything else, including rolling up the windows.

We've tried giving the car a boost with no results. It doesn't make any sounds when we try to start it either.

Any idea what it could be?

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Battery cable terminals check out OK? (removed, cleaned and reinstalled)

I quit diagnosing electrical/charging system until I replace the battery. It's now Step-1 for me and my life has never been better.
Sorry, that's maybe not what you want to hear.

Car function on a noco genius starter or a battery tender?

Boosts are useless.

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Originally Posted by killramos

Car function on a noco genius starter or a battery tender?

Boosts are useless.

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If the battery is fubar enough (internal short), it won't start with either of those either

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Originally Posted by Tik-Tok

If the battery is fubar enough (internal short), it won't start with either of those either

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Yea probably, but internal short seems unlikely to me if it can power the dash.

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Originally Posted by killramos

Yea probably, but internal short seems unlikely to me if it can power the dash.

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I've seen it before in my MR2. Was running fine, went into the store, came out, and it wouldn't start, but everything would light up (even the headlights). Had AMA come to boost, and it still wouldn't start. Was towed home, and put a charger on it because I figured it was the alternator, but an hour later the battery was SUPER fucking hot.

It was internally shorted, but just enough to show it under a heavy load.

I'm going to guess Front or Rear SAM or the EZS (Electronic Ignition Starting Switch) or Steering Lock Control Unit as ??? said below (very common these last 2)

check your negative ground as well. make sure its not corroded or rusted at the other end.

Bad ground/cables did this to me once. I mean, by all means charge the battery properly overnight, but cables are not too tough to change out.

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Originally Posted by killramos

Car function on a noco genius starter or a battery tender?

Boosts are useless.

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This.

Something similar happened to a friends 350. I think only his lights and radio would come on.
It was a ignition key/immobilizer module located in the steering column that he needed to replace.