e280 starting problems

[niceguy2702]

hi all, new here and need some help!!..i have an e280 1996. every now and then when starting, the engine will turn over but not start!! in case its the immobiliser, i lock and unlock the car and try again, when this does happens, usually on the 2nd or 3rd attempt it starts. 1 time it drained my battery and had to call the AA out!! im no mechanic and havent a clue!!! so was wondering..has others had this problem..and any idea if its gonna cost!! your help is appreciated...mick

 

[ChrisH]

Sounds like either the Fuel pump relay or OVP relay.
Both pretty cheap £30 & £50 pounds from a dealer.
I had this at the begining of the year, dealer didnt have a clue, took it to a specialist and they told me it was a pretty common problem and even told me where the relays were

 

[Kinky]

Hummm ... I've started to have this recently.

Pretty odd really (IMHO). Every morning it starts perfectly (sat outside, in the cold, wind, rain, etc).

For the past week or so - when I leave work in the evenings - it starts up ok immediately - but it takes a second or 2 to actually decide that it has started, then the oil pressure kicks in and away we go ! The thing is - at work it's a proper car park, sheltered, no cold, rain, wind, etc (I would have expected it to be the other way around).

And now this morning - if failed to start first time, and I had to crank it for about 2 seconds before it caught. And now again the same this evening at work.

I got home, switched off and re-started - and it was perfect !

K

 

[PJH]

- it starts up ok immediately - but it takes a second or 2 to actually decide that it has started, then the oil pressure kicks in and away we go !

Mine does the same once in a blue moon......

Do you turn the keys quickly to start or do you pause for a second with the electrics on ? Perhaps having the fuel pump running for a second or two before operating the starter will make a difference.