C180 Problems, (Won't Start) Please Help...!

[DreadmanCandy]

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to get some help re problems with my C180 Avantgarde (2000 Model)

I have owned this car since January 2010 and never had any problems with it. As it wasn't the only car in the household (though my favorite), I dont drive it regularly. I simply didn't want to pile on the mileage. Anyway, this summer just gone, I wanted to showcase my car and drive it a bit more. This was when all the problems started.

At first, it wouldnt start first time but would after a few attempts. I didn't think nothing of it and thought perhaps it was the battery playing up. I had it checked and charged up but the problem persisted. I took it into my local garage to have it checked over but as it wasn't reporting any fault codes, my (friend) mechanic thought, perhaps, it might be the plugs, so he changed them and I had the car back.

A few days later, I started the car and again, it wouldn't start first time but after several attempts, it started. I noticed the driving was not as smooth as it has been. Eventually, a couple of faulty codes appeared. After consultation with a few Merc heads, I was adviced to change both the camshaft and the crankshaft position sensors. I did both and the car is still not starting 1st time. Now, I seem to have lost the indicators, wipers and hazard lights.

Also, the following errors keep appearing; visit workshop, display faulty; ESP not available.

I would be more than grateful if someone with the knowledge or perhaps with similar experience would be kind enough to help me diagnose and fix this problem. I am trying to avoid a painful trip to my local mercedes dealership as they've already burnt a hole in my pocket

Perhaps you guys on here would point me or my mechanic in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BlackC55]

Does it turn over when it doesn't start

 

[Mike Walker]

You have just found yourself an expert Dreadman - see above. Hopefully you are not far from Horndean just off the A3 near Portsmouth. Good luck.

 

[BlackC55]

Is yours a 202 or 203? The first three numbers of the chassis number.

 

[DreadmanCandy]

Is yours a 202 or 203? The first three numbers of the chassis number.

Hi BlackC55,

Thanks for your prompt response.

Mine I believe is the 203, and it does turn over when i try to start it. As I indicated, sometimes, it does start after a few attempts, and other times, it just doesnt fire up but cranks perfectly.

I hope this helps. Pleeeease help. I'm desperately missing the drive.

Thanks in advance

 

[BlackC55]

Check the easy stuff first. Does it have a spark and does it have fuel?

 

[grumpyoldgit]

A long shot, but worth checking. I appreciate yours is petrol and the link is to a diesel car, but who knows, water ingress causes some strange symptoms. See post #28 in the following link.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/1559343-post1.html

 

[DreadmanCandy]

Check the easy stuff first. Does it have a spark and does it have fuel?

Hi there,

Yes it does have a spark and fuel.

Problem is, The last time I picked it up from the garage, (after replacing the camshaft and crankshaft sensors) I took it for a run just to see how she's driving.

I stopped at a gas station and re-fueled. It was at this time that it started displaying the symptoms again ( ie.; not wanting to start). The petrol gauge has not moved since then and is showing red. Since I haven't driven it since I last re-fueled, I'll presume there was still petrol in it.

Sorry for the long statements but I just want to provide enough and accurate recollection of events so one is able to assist me.

Thanks all in advance

 

[horgantrevor]

Can you hear the fuel pump when you try and start her has the fuel filter been changed ever cheap too do so

 

[DreadmanCandy]

Can you hear the fuel pump when you try and start her has the fuel filter been changed ever cheap too do so

Hi Horgantrevor,

Thanks for your response.

Yes, indeed, I can hear the fuel pump. Infact, I had RAC recovery come to my rescue, and the guy was really thorough with a number of checks, (ie.; plugs, fuel pump etc...) and was dismayed he couldnt read any faults from his computer. So as far as I'm aware, fuel pump is okay and live. (I can ask the garage to just double check the recommendations again, like, spark, fuel filter
Even more baffling....

Any more ideas???

Thanks in advance

 

[martyz]

You have a saddle bag tank in your vehicle with a pick up and sender to transfer fuel from one side to the other,if the sender is faulty(internal pipe) you will have starting problems,also check hoses at the fuel filter,they weep,if they look ok flex them to see if any fuel leaks.sometimes if you rock the car biased towards drivers side in a no start situation it will transfer fuel from one side to the other side of the tank,if it starts then it would point to the fuel transfer sender.

 

[BlackC55]

Before you do all that check the fuel pressure at the rail with a gauge.

 

[DreadmanCandy]

I will do and report back asap.

Thanks guys, you've been a great help.

 

[DreadmanCandy]

Hi there,

Just thought I'd give you all an update on the situation regarding the problems with my car.

I managed to get a booking with an (not so local) indie. Miraculously, the car started on the day of the appointment so I managed to drive it up to the garage.

I'm still awaiting news on her health so, will keep everyone posted on what the diagnosis is. (Fingers and all else crossed)

In the mean time, a big thank you to all that replied and also thanks to those that scratched their heads but couldn't comment.

Keep you all posted soon.

Regards

 

[DreadmanCandy]

Non Starting C180 W203 Mystery Solved

Hi folks,

Just a heads up to let you know that the mystery has been solved. My baby is back on the road, but a few lessons learned from this experience.

Needless to say, most of the suggestions and recommendations I received from this forum was very helpful in narrowing down the fault zone.

I will post a lengthy diagnosis later , but for now, the resolve included, a new fuel pump and a rear sam unit.

Thanks all and especially to Alex Crow (Legend)

Regards:bannana:

 

[BlackC55]

The rear Sam supplies voltage to the fuel pumps. They often burn out causing burnt connectors at the Sam.