2001 W203 C220 CDI not cranking

[Melbc220]

Hello,

I have been reading over the forums on similar issues, but can't seem to find a solution for my problem.

The problem: Car seems to have full electrical power but won't crank.

I drove it just fine about 10 minutes before this issue and it started and ran fine.

Some relevent info:
Steering unlocks and dash operates so key seems ok.
I can hear clicks when turning the key so relays seem ok.
Glow light indicator on dash works as normal (lights up for a few seconds then dims out)
Wipers work (some people have reported wiper faults when fuse 52 has blown)
I have swapped out fuse 52 for good measure. No success.
Relays seem to click as normal and I have triep swapping out relay S with no success.
I haven't tried relay P has I dont have one to put in it's place (is this the same as any others?)
Front SAM doesn't seem to have any water in it (some posts reported this as the error).

I've about exhausted the options I have the tools and energy to try and the will be towed to a mechanic to get properly checked out tomorrow.

Is there something simple I've missed? Or a clear fault? I'm leaning towards starter motor having died or stuck solenoid? Worn coil?)

Just wanting as much ammo as possible before the shop gets back to me.

Your input is muchly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mickybo]

does sound like a starter issue, will it bump start?

 

[Justin1600]

needs to be put on a Star Machine, but would say the EIS control unit is faulty. Very common on that year of w203

 

[Ted]

You are in Park aren't you?

Try wiggling the lever/running it through P/R/N and see if it changes.

 

[Melbc220]

Thanks for the quick replies.

I haven't tried bump starting. My garage does have a down ramp sow I might try that before the tow truck gets here.

EIS - Sounds expensive. I'll hope it doesnt come to that but I'll keep in mind when chatting to the mechanic.

I have tried in park and neutral (had to manually release from park with a pen) several times. With and without foot/park brake combinations just to make sure. Inhibitor switch faulty maybe?

Thanks again!

 

[BlackC55]

Have you checked all the fuses?

 

[Terry_]

As above a blown fuse in the front Sam most likely

 

[Melbc220]

Thanks for all the replies.

It seems that further testing of the battery showed it was not holding charge despite having a decent voltage.

Car was able to start when hooked to jumper leads so a new battery seems to be the solution here.

Bad news is, the shop also found the water pump seizing and having damaged the main drive belt so they will need to be replaced as well at a much higher cost than the battery issue alone

Again, thanks for the replies. Hopefully this info is useful to others having similar problems in future.