W211 jump start

[alexmoon]

Put two new MB batteries in my 270CDi two weeks ago because car wouldn't start and batts were goosed. Since then car started first turn every morning – till yesterday. Took four tries but then fired up. But after six tries today it wouldn't fire. Have called AA out and and am waiting on them. I assume they will jump start it. Is this safe for a W211?
NB: Temps here have been minus eight overnight. Could this be the problem?

 

[jaymanek]

its probably air in the system due to frozen plastic pipes.. They will most likely use easy start to get it going.

 

[alexmoon]

Forgive my ignorance but what's 'easy start'?

 

[jaymanek]

its a spray that basically helps the engine fire up.

 

[CIL 7015]

Sorry to see you are still having problems, I have same model and it hasn't been right since it turned cold on 23 Dec. Despite new batteries and decent voltage readings still getting multiple error messages and unable to use electrical consumers so we all dress for the ski slope before any journey.

 

[alexmoon]

I was getting electrical consumers messages before changing batteries but haven't had them since so I assume the batts were dodgy. But now starter motor turns over and engine won't fire. Is there an issue with these cars that I don't know about?

 

[jaymanek]

They dont like minus temperatures!

 

[momomo]

What about air in the system as Jay has mentioned? This would make sense as you re car is turning over and battery is fine so i would look at the fuel system next...

 

[CIL 7015]

In my experience it pays to visit a trained technician either dealer or independent and get the car hooked up to Star diagnostics. I have learnt that you can spend a great deal of time trying to second guess some of the problems on these complex motors.

 

[jaymanek]

A lot of our cars are struggling in this weather... you may have to crank for a while before the diesel gets to the correct pressure for it to start..

 

[CIL 7015]

In this cold snap I reckon it's taking at 5-6 seconds for the heater coil light to go out at starting which must be putting a huge strain on the battery

 

[alexmoon]

Why should Mercs not like cold weather? Surely a car that's built in Germany will be tested for cold weather. But I have to say I had no problems with car till cold snap kicked in!

 

[CIL 7015]

No idea, my old Passat TDI never had a replacement battery in 8 years and always started whatever the weather

 

[jaymanek]

Like ive said here before, I think the cold weather is making the plastic pipes freeze and draw in air.. just my theory though.

 

[camerafodder]

Never had a problem with any of my mercs in cold weather. -6 C here last night and 211 started fine after not even being run for the last week. Are your heater plugs OK?

 

[alexmoon]

Heater plugs seem fine. Stay on a for a few secs then go out as normal. Also have no faults showing on cluster.

 

[walsi]

You will just have to humour me here for a moment but far to many people rely on watching the glow plug light and not what the relay is doing. My vito light goes out after about 3 secs but the relay doesnt click for at least another 25 secs. Try turning the ignition on and listen for the relay to go click if you can hear it then try cranking, it might be as simple as the glow plugs not getting warm enough

Cheers Martin

 

[alexmoon]

Just tried that Martin. No joy. Ta anyway.

 

[walsi]

Always worth a try.

 

[Mercedes cozy]

Although you have a glow plug light coming inside, I would still put a volt meter on the plug to see if there is voltage. Happened to me in the past no voltage.

Has the AA put a diagnostic machine on the car?