A class starting problems

[Tony Russell]

The V Belt doesn't require dropping the engine - replacing the crankshaft pulley does (I am told).

The V Belt is a bit of a dog to do, even with ramps and stuff.
It's about an hour by the book.

 

[thebook]

Had the same problem on my wife's A160 - turned out it was the starter motor.

End result, we chopped in the car and bought a Honda. The quote to change the starter motor was unbelievable... This is a very common issue we subsequently found.

 

[mixmyth]

Did the batteries sort it in the end ?

I haven't had the problem re-occure since I put the second set of new batteries in, I don't know if the key is eating the coin battery power or if the first set were just duff batteries or out of date or something like that.

 

[mixmyth]

No start today. Time for the next step: Transponder/imobiliser replacement, (when I get time). I hope it doesn't get to your stage 'thebook'.

 

[mixmyth]

Had a diagnostic done. It showed up lots of electrical concerns but they concluded that its a short somewhere in the wiring as it blows the starter fuse and/or the relay. It had also started to affect the fuel pump relay. The starter is ok. It can't be fixed as the possible labour costs looking for the problem out weigh the chances of finding it.

Does anyone have any other ideas before I scrap an otherwise perfectly good A class? If not, does anyone want it as a project or for parting out?

 

[mattkh]

Does anyone have any other ideas before I scrap an otherwise perfectly good A class? If not, does anyone want it as a project or for parting out?

Hi
Any details.

 

[mixmyth]

Other than the problem details, its a 140 (petrol), 100k on the clock. Regular serviced therefore basically sound, needs a new front tyre. About 8 months MOT. An 'easy fix' would be nice but it will have to go somewhere without one.

 

[mattkh]

Hi
Year ?
Manual ?

 

[mixmyth]

Sorry, was in a rush. 2001 (Y), manual.

I'm still trying to find a solution to the problem. A friend suggested looking for the wiring diagram for the starter/fuelpump system and checking things systematically. I think that more can still be looked at and I think the guy doing the diagnostic didn't really want to tackle it himself. Like someone has said, a STAR in the wrong hands can be a bad thing.

 

[Howard]

Was the diagnostic done on a STAR ?

Have you had a look at Loftys homepage , he is pretty up on most A class stuff and if he hasn't got the answer , you can contact him and he'll try and help where he can.

Albert Rowe, Lofty's homepage

 

[mixmyth]

Was the diagnostic done on a STAR ?

Have you had a look at Loftys homepage , he is pretty up on most A class stuff and if he hasn't got the answer , you can contact him and he'll try and help where he can.

Albert Rowe, Lofty's homepage

It was done on a STAR. I regularly trawl through Lofty's pages but have never contacted him, so I'd better give it a try. If he manages to get me sorted, he's in for a donation. I'd rather give it to him than a garage or even MB.

 

[mixmyth]

Sorted. I took it to a proper auto electrician who traced the fault to the manifold pre-heater. Has disabled it and now it starts every time, with no loss of anything else.

Thanks for everyone who took an interest and I hope this helps others with the same problem.

 

[HeyGee21]

Sorted. I took it to a proper auto electrician who traced the fault to the manifold pre-heater. Has disabled it and now it starts every time, with no loss of anything else.

Thanks for everyone who took an interest and I hope this helps others with the same problem.

Hi, I just got a A190 yesterday and was working fine until it stopped working today! A little bit stressed out as I don't know what to do about it. Is it worth swapping the relay out first to see if that resolves it or will it be more work? How much are the relays? I am also in Leicester and would appreciate the contact details if the chap who sorted yours. TIA

 

[Sassysal]

Sorted. I took it to a proper auto electrician who traced the fault to the manifold pre-heater. Has disabled it and now it starts every time, with no loss of anything else.

Thanks for everyone who took an interest and I hope this helps others with the same problem.