# 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class - Cranks but won't catch **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** mercedes-benz\ **Created:** [June 20, 2021, 12:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567 "2021-06-20T00:56:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Francis26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/francis26/32/25111_2.png) [@Francis26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Francis26)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 12:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/1 "2021-06-20T00:56:28Z")
The battery drains when I connect it. The SUVs Engine won’t turn over. I cranks but doesn’t catch. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 1:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/2 "2021-06-20T01:17:21Z")
A bad crankshaft position sensor can prevent an engine from starting. [https://www.1aauto.com/content/articles/bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor-symptoms](https://www.1aauto.com/content/articles/bad-or-failing-crankshaft-position-sensor-symptoms) Tester ---
**Author:** ![Francis26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/francis26/32/25111_2.png) [@Francis26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Francis26)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 1:21am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/3 "2021-06-20T01:21:19Z")
I’ve changed the crankshaft position sensor. And it still has not started up. I responds the same way ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/4 "2021-06-20T02:01:37Z")
Does it get spark? Is it getting fuel? Is it getting compression? You need all 3 for it to run. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/5 "2021-06-20T02:04:11Z")
you need to give a little more info. what do you mean battery drains? it cranks but does not catch? do you have any codes? did you have the battery checked and made sure connections are clean and tight? did you check the fuses and relays? do you get spark at the plugs? do you here the fuel pump turn on and are you getting fuel to the engine? ---
**Author:** ![Francis26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/francis26/32/25111_2.png) [@Francis26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Francis26)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/6 "2021-06-20T02:04:33Z")
I need to go check All three of those.half the dashboard light shut off right before it stop running. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/7 "2021-06-20T02:07:47Z")
You may be looking at a bad BCM. > **[5 Common Symptoms of a Failing Body Control Module (BCM) - Module Experts](https://moduleexperts.com/5-common-symptoms-failing-body-control-module-bcm/)** > > If your BCM malfunctions, you will notice a negative effect on the operation of your vehicle. Watch out for these symptoms. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Francis26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/francis26/32/25111_2.png) [@Francis26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Francis26)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/8 "2021-06-20T02:11:56Z")
No codes came up when I connected my code reader. I put a new battery in. I cleaned the battery cable connectors I changed one of the battery cables. I changed the streering wheel sensor. I checked all the fuses… I haven’t checked the spark plugs. I haven’t checked the alternator. The fuel injector can be heard when I turn the ignition to 2. ---
**Author:** ![Francis26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/francis26/32/25111_2.png) [@Francis26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Francis26)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:13am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/9 "2021-06-20T02:13:33Z")
My next stop is a mechanic. I’m a rookie in training ---
**Author:** ![Francis26](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/francis26/32/25111_2.png) [@Francis26](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Francis26)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2021, 2:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-mercedes-benz-m-class-cranks-but-wont-catch/177567/10 "2021-06-20T02:16:33Z")
Thank you for sending me that link! That’s what it is!