07 Sprinter with intermitent start fault?

[Ff40mad]

Hi, I'm a long time reader but this will be my first post to the forum (so thanks in advance to anyone who reads or replys ).

I have a 2007 sprinter 2.1 with an intermitent start problem, sometimes when I try to start it, it won't turn over, no clicking, nothing! I also get no glow plug light on the dash & sometimes the ESP & tyre symbol lights up. Had it plugged in to diagnostics but its showing no fault codes? It's my daily work horse & the problem only started last week. The menchanic who checked it (and who has worked on it before) said it could be the key but said the key was showing no faults?? Could he be right? Or is this something else maybe?
Thanks again

Gareth

 

[BlackC55]

It does sound like the key or ignition switch is giving up. Try the spare key first. The ESP fault is likely to be a separate issue.

Did your mechanic use a Star to diagnose it? If not, it needs one to be sure of the cause.

 

[Ff40mad]

Yeah I asked him and he told me it was a star. The only reason I haven't tried the spare key is because I need to order one (only got the one with the van ). I'll have to order one, at least as a backup in case I loose this one, its just a hell of lot to fork out for a 'could be your key' (there 300€ + vat around these woods) after spending 1500€ in service bills recently. I better start somewhere tho , thanks for replying so quick Black

 

[Ff40mad]

Been meaning to update this for a while but never seem to get around to it..anyway, for anyone who might come across this problem, I would suggest starting with the relays located under the dash on the N/S. I heard of a problem with these relays receiving moisture damage in the factory before being fitted to vehicles, I don't know how true that is but I replaced the bottom two relays (located on the right as your looking at it) and have not had a single problem since doing this. Did not need new keys etc!!

 

[E270 Owner]

I thought there was an recall on that problem.

Water ingress due to left to right UK manufacture.