W203 Sports Coup NOT STARTING !!!

[Freddy888]

Tried to start car yesterday and nothing. Left it for three hours and then fine.. .. All lights , dash , radio are fine. But when I turned the key engine does not turn over and light do not dim. Diesel fuel pump whirs but starter does not click or even attempt to spin.
Tried to start car this morning and back to square one ... nothing..

This happened 4 months ago and then mysteriously lasted a day and then went away and has been fine.. Now its back,,

Any assistance with my now intermittent fault would be greatly appreciated..

 

[markjay]

Have you tried the spare key?

Immobiliser issues?

If auto gearbox, maybe P sensor (the bit that does not allow you to start the car unless in P) faulty?

Also, do you hear the starter motor's solenoid click when you try starting the car?

 

[Freddy888]

Tried wifes key and same issue.. Would P sensor show up on diags as the mechanic that checked it last time a few months back saw no errors..

Solenoid does not make a sound...

 

[markjay]

I had a problem with the Automatic Transmission Inhibitor Switch on another car (not MB) some years ago.

It did not show on diag code readers. But the engine could be started if feeding the positive low-output terminal on the solenoid directly from the battery. Caution though - this could be dangerous because if the car is in D it will just start and go all by itself! So should only be done in a controlled environment for testing i.e. with a driver inside the car.

If it's an issue with ECU or mobiliser than obviously feeding the solenoid directly will have no effect.

 

[Freddy888]

Many Thanks for your input.. I have booked into a local garage tomorrow who is going to check charging and starter for faults.. I will post outcme for reference should he find anything. He has quoted £313 for new starter fitted which I suppose is not too terrible..

 

[ched999uk]

Freddy, I assume the garage has the all seeing STAR? If not make sure if any parts he fit do not cure the problem you don't foot the bill!!!!!
An indie with STAR may well be able to fix things much cheaper than a local garage that don't have access to the special software diagnostic tools. I am not saying that your local garage is not capable but make sure you are not paying for him to learn.
Good Luck and please report back what happens.

 

[murray motors]

on the drivers side of the engine bay lift the fuse box lid and you will see the SAM there is a purple wire coming out of it put a circuit tester on the wire and try to start it if it lights up then it needs a starter this is a direct wire to the starter