1994 w124 E300D won't start

[DITTRICH]

When the key is turned to the position immediately before the starter motor is engaged, the following happens / does not happen:-

1 Some of the dash lights and gauges don't come on.
2 There is a frantic clicking noise from inside the engine compartment.
3 The dash lights that do come on are flashing on and off.

I am assuming fuse blown or some relay somewhere is failing to properly close. At worst, possibly the ignition barrel not opening the circuit to the relay reliably. Doesn't "look" expensive but I'm useless with electrics.
My dilemma is how to get the old tub into the garage without coughing up for a tow. I believe that it is possible to tow an automatic in neutral for a short distance. The distance to the dealer is 5 miles. And I don't have the manual with me right now to look!

Answers (not on a postcard) please.

Les

 

[bolide]

Flat battery?

A 5 mile tow shouldn't be a problem if the speed is kept low

Nick Froome

 

[Dieselman]

Worth checking the battery by switching on the headlights, but this isn't when the starter is operated, but when the Ign is selected.

My guess says Ign switch or possibly bad connection.

To actually start the car a link from the Batt +ve to the stop solenoid and another to the starter solenoid to make it engage, should do.

 

[Ted]

Flat or faulty battery is my diagnosis.

 

[DITTRICH]

Okay we shall see. Thanks for the responses. Since the car is in the garage now they will give everything the once over. Thing is we are SURE no lights were left on when the car was last locked and it was used perfectly happily 48 hours beforehand pootling about and the previous weekend it travelled 50 miles at around 40-50 mph so one assumes battery was charging during this time. Central locking and wiper were working okay - I tried them when we tried to start the car. Didn't try headlights.
So maybe there was some drain but not fully. It's a thought. For towing, the manual says 30 miles at not more than 50 mph. We did 5 miles at 20 mph so no problems.
Regards
Les

 

[Dieselman]

The 722.4 has a pump in the output section as well, so you can tow and the ATF will still circulate.
You can actually bump start the car if necessary.

 

[DITTRICH]

You can actually bump start the car if necessary.

My wife was worried enough just being towed in the s124!
Especially when some plonker tried to cut in to our lane between both cars
Maybe next time eh?

 

[DITTRICH]

Now sorted.
"they" say the battery was not holding it's charge. It was 6 years old which is a little on the "light" side for my thinking. New battery fitted.
We shall see how this goes over the next week or so.
Strange that it should just keel over like that?
Still, saved on the recovery costs.

 

[B325YUD]

The 722.4 has a pump in the output section as well, so you can tow and the ATF will still circulate.
You can actually bump start the car if necessary.

Does that mean any 722.4** transmission will bump start? My W123 has a 722.401 and all these numbers are new to me!

 

[Dieselman]

It should work a it's a 722.4**