A140 Starting Problem

[gtmills]

Have a problem on my wife's little A140.

About three weeks ago got in one morning, put in the key turned ignition - nothing. Lights on but nothing from the starter motor not even a click form teh solenoid. AA man came got it started got it to the garage couldn't find a problem so came home and has been perfect ever since.

Yesterday same thing happened. AA man came bumped it started got it to the garage - problem had disappeared - started on the button. But they claimed it was a duff battery - so changed it. I wasn't sure since I had tried it with a jump starter pack that I use to get my old diesel camper van going after winter and still nothing - but the MB technician was convinced.

However, same again this morning. Key in - nothing. Back to MB garage - can't find anything again - it is starting on the button every time.

Any ideas before MB technicians start racking up bills for other work they are absolutely sure will cure the problem!!

 

[recycled]

Could be the starter motor on its way out?

 

[BlackC55]

Starter is very common to fail on the a-clases.

Pain in the ar5e to change too. (Have to drop the subframe a bit)

It sounds just like a starter problem to me.

 

[tech123]

i agree, I'd say starter motor as well. not a difficult job but takes quite a while. you'll prob get quoted 3-4 hours

 

[Gollom]

Happened on my C class. Starter motor changed under warranty

 

[Vlad]

This is very familiar to me as my wife's A210 has recently suffered from non starts...ie put key in and nothing, try again nothing, try again and suddenly it then decides to spring into life.

Turns out it was a dodgy crank shaft sensor...common problem it appears.

 

[gtmills]

Thanks

Thanks for all your comments.

Looks like you were all correct. It is the starter motor after all.

850 Big Ones to get it replaced!! Excuse me whilst I pick myself up off the floor.

Rang a few independants and they say that is about right. I Know it requires an engine drop to get to it.

What a ridiculous car!!! Anybody fancy buying one very well used kidney to help pay this ransom money to MB???

 

[Gollom]

Thanks for all your comments.

Looks like you were all correct. It is the starter motor after all.

850 Big Ones to get it replaced!! Excuse me whilst I pick myself up off the floor.

Rang a few independants and they say that is about right. I Know it requires an engine drop to get to it.

What a ridiculous car!!! Anybody fancy buying one very well used kidney to help pay this ransom money to MB???

How old is the car? Worth a polite letter to MB Customer Service? They have been known to make "goodwill" paymants at the very least.

Also occurs to me that if the car is more than 3 years old you usually get 10% discount from dealers? Not a lot but better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick!

P.S. Don't need a kidney but how is your left knee joint? :bannana:

 

[Vlad]

Good Grief!!!!!!!