Car won't start

[saff]

Strangely the car started 1st go today but weather was much warmer.

I've spoken to a few diagnostic guys and they seem to confirm that the ECU is dying.

I need recommendations for a reputable ECU repairer. I see ACtronics listed on here but they will only deal with businesses, not an individual. Can anyone recommend a good company to deal with please?

Thanks

 

[DonnyGaz]

Hi saff, a lot depends on your financial position and also whether or not you intend to keep the car. I also looked at the recon / repair route but after a lot of investigation by both myself and my independent (Star Car & Commercial) we decided to get new one from Germany (none in the country at that time !). The cost was around £1000 but as i intended keeping the car for another couple of years i thought it worth it. You pays your money, you takes your choice as they say. would be interested to know what happens if you go down the repair route. Good luck, Gaz

 

[Tim203]

My wife phoned EPS Elektronic and they will quote after checking . Cost between €190&400 .

 

[saff]

Hi DonnyGaz and thanks for your input.

£1K is a lot for me at the moment so will go down the repair route, with who as yet unknown. I've spoken to a few companies and most seem able to deal but some of the online reviews are iffy to say the least.

Thanks again

 

[Tim203]

Sent my ECU to ECU- repairs yesterday after looking online. Hopefully it is the problem.
Will report when I get it back.

 

[4life211]

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?

Sent from my E6553 using Tapatalk

this car doesn't look like 2003 because in 2003 was produced w211. This looks like w210 car.

 

[camerafodder]

this car doesn't look like 2003 because in 2003 was produced w211. This looks like w210 car.

That's because it's a w203

 

[4life211]

That's because it's a w203

hahahah forgot the w203 .

 

[camerafodder]

hahahah forgot the w203 .

Don't worry too much. I recently replied to a thread giving all sorts of rambling advice re the diesel engine version of Mitsubishi 4x4 only to notice that the whole thread was about a petrol engine version!

 

[saff]

My issues have been less with the milder weather, in fact no issues at all.

This morning however it was frosty, usual symptoms and try as i might the car wouldn't start. I tried an experiment and removed the under-bonnet ECU/fusebox cover and gently warmed with a hairdryer (my wife's, I'm bald ha). wonder of wonders the car started. Definitely pointing to ECU. The car is off to CAMCO Warrington shortly for diagnosis and hopefully repair. I'll update as it goes on.

 

[nick mercedes]

Hi,

My W211 e220 cdi is doing this.

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

If it's hard to start in the mornings, but fine once it's got going, surely air is the problem?

 

[saff]

Don't think so as its systems-related. Starter motor becomes inoperative along with other symptoms. Don't think an air issue would prevent the starter motor operating.

Ta anyway.

 

[nick mercedes]

Eis?

 

[saff]

Hi Nick sorry for the delay in replying.

Not sure what Eis is.

This seems to be a not-uncommon fault which, on researching via the web points towards the engine ECU.

My car is in the hopefully-savvy hands of diagnostic professionals as I type. I'll update the thread with the outcome so as to help others on here in the future.

 

[Tim203]

I sent my ECU off to ECU- repairs . Com. They phoned today and said there was a fault and would cost £290+Vat. They will do a remap at the same time for a discounted £100. Hopefully it will start !

 

[saff]

Thats great news, fingers crossed its nailed the problem. Mine is with the repairers and they've been working on it today. Hopefully some progress by Monday.

 

[saff]

Spoke to the diagnostics geezers who have my car. They've confirmed its an ECU fault and are waiting delivery of a replacement. Not looking forward to the bill here!

 

[markjay]

...Not sure what Eis is...

EIS = Electric Ignition Switch. That's the bit in the dash where the key/fob goes into when you want to start the car. In the olden days it was just Ignition Switch..... it actually talks to other ECUs in the car before deciding if the required condition to allow starting the engine have been met.

 

[Haven't a clue!]

OMG, why did he power wash an engine bay?
years ago had similar issue due to some idiot, high pressure water can get into ECU's. Had similar happen to Lancing delta turbo I had, car wouldn't start, valet company wringing (and sitting on) their hands. After about 3 days in heated area it finally just started. Needless to say, I never let anyone get near any subsequent car engines with similar.
Unless you get better advice, get the engine dried out. Cheers, Tony

 

[saff]

My car is now sorted, I'm informed.

Will collect tomorrow.

Reconditioned ECU fitted and programmed. £600

Hopefully the darned thing will be reliable now.