Hi, I am Terry and have a ML 270 CDI automatic (2002).

[DSM10000]

I understand and I am sure you are right, I haven't got to the route of the problem yet. Are there simple things I should check and eliminate one by one? Thanks, Terry

Terry
I am by no means an expert on these engines but if you could find a wiring diagram etc then it may help you or a garage trace the problem more easily?

David

 

[JBASport]

Thanks David

 

[DSM10000]

Terry

These might throw up useful links?

ml 270 cdi wiring diagram - Google Search:

I think that the quickest and most cost effective way forward is to find a local MB Specialist with Star to trace the fault.

Have you posted where you are? I am sure between us we could recommend someone.

 

[JBASport]

I live in Invergordon in the North of Scotland I am afraid. Thanks, Terry

 

[DSM10000]

I live in Invergordon in the North of Scotland I am afraid. Thanks, Terry

I would be proud to live there, never afraid

 

[DSM10000]

This any help? :Moray Firth Motors Ltd - Contact

 

[JBASport]

Thanks

 

[classiccarzone]

Bring the power directly from the battery to fuse 52, please. If the car starts from this you will know that it is a relay problem/SAM contact problem.
When you do this, yes the gear shift will be locked in park; yes, you can release it manually and yes, it will lock again when it is put into park.
I have encountered this problem on a number of occasions. I have always carried out this procedure or advised another to carry out the procedure and it has always been a relay and /or SAM contact problem.

I am not saying for sure that this is your problem as I do not have your car in front of me, but it is the simple test and the cheapest test and it is what you should eliminate or discover in the first instance.

If the car starts in this manner there will be little doubt that it is a problem as I have outlined and then we can take it from there.

When I first encountered a similar problem if I listened to all the forum suggestions-well intended- I would have had a new battery, or a new switch, or a new selector, or a new SAM and even a new ECU.

it has always been a relay/SAM connection problem in my cars X 2 and in the other cars that I have had an input into. So keep it simple in the beginning.

 

[JBASport]

Hi, I have looked under the bonnet & in the drivers side & cannot seem to find a fuse 52?

I have posted pictures of the fuses and the temporary supply I have rigged with the push button. I am sure I have probably incorrectly fitted, but it does allow the vehicle to start, although not with the key. I am trying to upload pictures. Thanks again, Terry

 

[classiccarzone]

There is a good reason why you cannot find fuse 52, it is a different fuse box.

I am trying to look at this on a phone screen so noit very easy.
From my limited viewing have you removed relay K8 and replaced it with a wire?

K8 is the relay for the starter solenoid switch. Its job in simple terms is to be energised when the key is switched to start and thus bridge across two heavier cables and activate the starter solenoid.

there may be a schematic on the side of the relay showing what is what as regards which spade energises the relay.
If there is a similar relay for lights or so you could swap it and see what happens

 

[JBASport]

Hi, no the Starter relay K8 is still in its original position. I am in Aberdeen now and the car is back in Invergordon & I won't be Back there again until Wednesday night. So not able to check the Relay to see if there is a schematic on the side. Many thanks, Terry

 

[JBASport]

Hi, That's me back home now and looking to try and sort out the problem of not being able to start the car using the key. I have put in a temporary supply to the starter solenoid (K8). I still cannot start the car using the key, but if I turn the key fully allowing the glowplug to do its stuff, I can start the car by connecting the temporary supply. Thanks, Terry

 

[JBASport]

Hi, That's me back home now and looking to try and sort out the problem of not being able to start the car using the key. I have put in a temporary supply to the starter solenoid (K8). I still cannot start the car using the key, but if I turn the key fully allowing the glowplug to do its stuff, I can start the car by connecting the temporary supply. Thanks, Terry

 

[classiccarzone]

That is most likely down to a relay. You should put it on a diagnostic and see if current is ok to Circuit 15. Presuming again that you have checked your stop lamp switch; the fact that your brake light is working is no indication that the switch is working properly. K12 is your stop lamp switch.
The 220 Cdi has three relays that are associated with starting the vehicle. If either one goes wrong the car will not start

 

[JBASport]

Thanks for that. I have ordered a new brake switch, as I gather they are prone to be faulty and thought it best to eliminate that as a potential source of the problem. Out of interest, is there a way of testing the switch itself using a multimeter? Terry

 

[mbtyfn]

Hello and welcome to forum.