Complete electrical failure!

[pugilist]

I have replaced the diesel pump on a 2002 C220 CDI. Have struggled to get it started since. The battery was low after turning it over so often and so I put the car on charge. On Saturday after trying to restart the 15A fuse in the starter circuit blew. I replaced it and tried again but after a few spins of the engine it blew again.
I replaced the fuse and tried to put the key into the ignition and nothing happened. The central locking does not work and so now the car cannot be fully locked and secured. The key cannot be inserted and so I cannot tow the car as the steering lock is on.
Help!

 

[pugilist]

I have obviously joined the wrong forum. I thought I would get technical assistance here.

 

[nigel cross]

Anyone out there with a clue on this on??

 

[ringway]

Re the central locking - check all is well with the foam encased control unit under the rear seat on the drivers side. Any moisture on the PCB causes problems with the pump operation in the unit.

Can the car not be locked with the "metal" section of the key for now?

We fitted a new high pressure diesel pump and fuel lines a few weeks ago (2002 320cdi) and she fired up after 4-5 cranks. Maybe a quick re-check of the pump install will help.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Did you charge the battery in the car still connected?

I thought that with these modern vehicles and all their electronics it was advisable to disconnect the battery for charging.

 

[pugilist]

Ringway, thank you I will check this out. Managed to lock the doors but not the rear hatch. For some reason the lock will not operate on it.
I have had the pump off again and noticed that I failed to fit the drive dog as it dropped off on the garage floor and I did not notice it, what a d*ck! Thanks for prompting that check.
pmcgsmurf: I left the battery connected during charge so maybe I have knackered the ecu do you think?

 

[nigel cross]

Rear hatch and/or boot always seem to be a problem to lock/unlock with the key.
Try some penetrating oil.
As to other problem not sure but front sam could be issue. check all connections in case you disturbed them when fitting pump.
(In case you don't know I haven't got a clue about Diesels, or much else to tell the truth)

 

[pmcgsmurf]

pmcgsmurf: I left the battery connected during charge so maybe I have knackered the ecu do you think?

I'm sure that someone will come along soon and let you know better than I can.

I put my mates W211 on charge this afternoon as he is away on holiday and I disconnected the battery completely.
Granted I'm using a cheapo charger but thought better safe than sorry.

 

[pugilist]

I need to buy a new charger me thinks. There are probably many more sophisticated chargers available than the basic thing I have had for many years. I am surprised that the onboard kit is susceptable to failure so easily though. I will update you all on the outcome. Thanks again for all your help, including you Nigel for prompting this great response.