Car won't start

[paul872]

Hi I have a 2003 cdi 270 with 87k on the clock is had the car for a few months now and it's had its problems like driving in limb mode but I've gone through the forum and cured the problems but I'm a bit stuck on the most recent one!! The thing won't start, it won't even turn over!! One of the lads in work was cleaning the outside and decided to power wash the engine bay and now it won't start and doesn't come up with any malfunctions, the fans will come on full belt and that's all were getting with warning signs!! Anyone got a clue what it could be?

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[bob6600]

Check all fuses, I'm sure your mate has blown one with the jet wash

 

[paul872]

We have checked the ones by the drivers side because we have had the air compressor on it drying them can you think anywhere else?

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[paul872]

I am charging the battery incase it might not have enough power!! How long can you have the battery disconnected for before it resets itself?? The key I'm talking about

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[bob6600]

The key won't lose it's transponding with the vehicle.

There are fuses under the bonnet (o/s) and another 5 where the ECUs are. More inside the car on the side of the dash.

 

[paul872]

I have checked the ones by the ecu but didn't know there were more!! Were about in the engine bay are they?

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[paul872]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161019/96f086b737943fbde6a673c713971922.jpg

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[paul872]

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[paul872]

Apparently it came up with a warning saying restraint system visit workshop but now it says no malfunctions

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[Dec]

You may need to lift up the front SAM to dry it out properly, a lot of places for water to lodge under there.

Dec
w203 front sam in Vehicle Parts and Accessories | eBay

 

[bob6600]

Sorry ignore the pic as it's from a W210 E320. However, locate you ECUs and have a look there

 

[PobodY]

Apparently it came up with a warning saying restraint system visit workshop but now it says no malfunctions

That's probably unrelated; if it's anything like my car it's a loose connection under the passenger's seat that goes away once it's been jiggled a bit. - A real problem with the SRS systems can't be cleared so easily.

 

[Tim203]

My 203 220 cdi does exactly the same. It is always better from cold but as you say all the fans come on and now and again gives some warnings. Sometimes you can sit there for ten minutes turning the key on and off. Sometimes it goes sometimes it doesn't .

 

[paul872]

Do you know what causes it? It's been like this for nearly 3 weeks now

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[Tim203]

Going to look for corroded contacts this weekend. I did wonder if the coolant temp sensors were playing a part in this as it brings a temp warning up on dash. Will let you know if I get anywhere with it.

 

[optimusprime]

Good luck both of you .

 

[Tim203]

Left my car at my workshop this weekend as my wife lost her patience after 10 minutes trying to start and took my Pug. Checked the battery voltage today which was 12.38V. Cleaned terminals and clamps (which looked fine) and it did start after another 3 goes. According to my German workshop manual 12.5 should be the min.and another member kindly recommended a battery check recently. Bizarre as it wangs the engine over brilliantly when the ignition system does grace us with it's presence. Charging is over 14V when running. I think the next time it does it (tomorrow!) I'll put some leads on it and see if it starts then. What I find really puzzling if this is the route cause, how anyone could design a system so intolerant of voltage variation.

 

[saff]

Hi,

My W211 e220 cdi is doing this.

It only happens 1st start of the day. Seems to be getting more frequent.

New starter motor and MB battery. Charges at 14.1 volts and stands at 12.2 volts which seems a bit low for a new battery. Measured across the terminals with a multimeter I get about 12.5v.

Could there be a voltage drop when left overnight or for a decent length of time which would bring up the ESP defective display and cause the other issues. Once the car is running after the first start there are no further issues throughout the day.

I'm going to check all the terminals and earths I can find tomorrow and see if I can make some progress here.

 

[saff]

Hi, still trying to knit fog with this fault.

0281011011 - Mercedes-engine control units - repair

This Germany-based company re-condition ECUs and if you look at the "faults and symptoms" on this link, which is for W211 e220cdi it nails my problem.

I'm of course aware there are UK-based companies who can re-condition ECUs.

My next problem is: Do I take a chance, remove the ECU and send it away for repair and hope it sorts my car out or do I take it to a diagnostics specialist for him to confirm it is the ECU and pay more dosh?

Decisions decisions....

 

[DonnyGaz]

Just come across this thread, exact same problem last year with my w211 27cdi and it was the ecu. got a new one from Germany via Mercedes, Sheffield but it did take a total of 4 weeks ! from taking car in to collecting it but no problems since.