E320 CDi - Starting problems

[E320_CDi]

Hi... I have an E320 CDi, year 2000, which fails to start in the morning.

It cranks once, the engine turns, then stops. Then I need to wait 4-5 minutes before it will start.

If I continuously crank it, the battery dies.

It's not just in the morning, if its been sat for 12-14 hours, I have problems.

I've recently had the injector seals done, all 6, and a full service. I had the starting problem before the service and the injector seal replacement.

Any suggestions ?, crank sensor, air in the system or O-rings.



thanks

 

[DB autos]

Hi I wood check injectors do a Flow test probably acouple of in jectors does it start with easy start Dan

 

[E320_CDi]

Dan - Can you please tell me what you mean by easy start ?. I haven't had a flow test done, but can get it done. thanks

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Sounds like air in the fuel lines, an easy fix. If they have not been replaced at this stage I recommend doing it.

 

[television]

Easy start is just an aerosol that you spray into the air intake box, if the car starts and then runs its a fuel problem.

If you have air in the system and you are parked on a incline, try turning the car around so that it faces the other way and try

 

[E320_CDi]

Thanks for all the replies. Where's the air intake on this, and the fuel lines. Sorry, I'm not a mechanic. Regards

 

[maska]

I think you should take a Night School class in car Maintenance !

 

[dtaxi]

Had you any luck i have the same problem at the moment clear plastic fuel line,coming from the fuel rail to a T peice and up to low pressure pump and on to the high pressure pump.
Replaced the O rings on the fittings worked for a week then the T joint started to leak,going to replace the clear fuel line as when 1 starts to go the rest will soon fallow.

 

[Naraic]

I think you should take a Night School class in car Maintenance !

That's cheeky and not in the helpful nature of this forum which gets all sorts.

 

[Frontstep]

Well apart from the air in fuel indications have the battery checked, it should stand quite a number of attempts to start.

 

[steamy]

Easy start is just an aerosol that you spray into the air intake box, if the car starts and then runs its a fuel problem.

If you have air in the system and you are parked on a incline, try turning the car around so that it faces the other way and try

I also have a starting problem with an E320 CDI 2003 model, and using Easy start cures it first time. It doesn't happen in the warmer months only when it's cold, although it does take around 4 turns of the engine and not starter before it ever starts (even in Summer).

I had the air flow sensor replaced last April (other forum suggestion) but it's starting to get cold again - same issue as before the air flow sensor was replaced. Any help or advice would be most appreciative as it's the wife who uses it most and I'm getting it in the neck!

Anyone else care to add a potential (and cheap!) fix for this? I'm in Liverpool UK, so an independent garage recommendation would also be very helpful. Thank you....

 

[Naraic]

Usually caused by the plastic fuel pipes. They harden with age and then let air into the system.

 

[BAZZER1]

Hi
I had the same type of problem with my e320cdi, Bought a new battery, made sure it was the right type and correct amperage for the car including suitable for air con, have so far had no problems since.
Check how old your Battery is, this may possibly be the cause of your problem with not enough cranking for your vehicle to start.
Best of luck with this, I would think some more valuable advice from Forum Members will follow to help you.
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[steamy]

Thanks Guys for the quick reply (I should have joined here sooner)!

Amplifying info.

Battery checked at a local specialist battery workshop - Very good - no issues with that.

Glow plugs - swapped out with new ones, albeit the old ones were not tested by the garage - wallet a little lighter!

Air flow sensor - swapped with new one - wallet lighter again.

Mrs Steamy having to get the occasional Taxi - wallet lighter! with me then having to go where she left the car to 'Easy start' it.

Oh the joy!

 

[Naraic]

Thanks Guys for the quick reply (I should have joined here sooner)!

Amplifying info.

Battery checked at a local specialist battery workshop - Very good - no issues with that.

Glow plugs - swapped out with new ones, albeit the old ones were not tested by the garage - wallet a little lighter!

Air flow sensor - swapped with new one - wallet lighter again.

Mrs Steamy having to get the occasional Taxi - wallet lighter! with me then having to go where she left the car to 'Easy start' it.

Oh the joy!

You need a new garage that's ridiculous...all the glowplugs became faulty at the same time?? Your garage should have STAR...if it doesn't then find one that does. Diagnosis by applying new parts is always expensive.

 

[toby1]

Thanks Guys for the quick reply (I should have joined here sooner)!

Amplifying info.

Battery checked at a local specialist battery workshop - Very good - no issues with that.

Glow plugs - swapped out with new ones, albeit the old ones were not tested by the garage - wallet a little lighter!

Air flow sensor - swapped with new one - wallet lighter again.

Mrs Steamy having to get the occasional Taxi - wallet lighter! with me then having to go where she left the car to 'Easy start' it.

Oh the joy!

Are they wearing stetsons and spurs?

 

[BAZZER1]

Is your mechanics name Roy Robbery Rogers, I would definately find a good Indie in your area and have it Star Tested before having any more new parts fitted, otherwise you are probably spending a lot of wonga on un-necessary parts that do not need replacing, I am pretty sure a Star Test by a trained Indie will be able to sort this out for you.
My advice, is to ask on the Forum if any members know of a good Indie in your area, some kind Member will come back to you on this I'm sure.
Best regards
BAZZER1

 

[Merc-Man24]

Are all your glow plugs up to scratch?

Well...they're all new!!

 

[steamy]

Hi
I had the same type of problem with my e320cdi, Bought a new battery, made sure it was the right type and correct amperage for the car including suitable for air con, have so far had no problems since.

I eventually took it into Mercedes garage - last Thursday.

They printed off the contents of the computer - quite a few lines of code. However, a number of recent lines were suggesting 'low voltage' so I was advised to charge the battery and let them know (free visit) - they cleared the log file so as they'd get a cleaner hit next time.

I've had it on a trickle charge now each night since then. However, last night was quite cold (Zero and coldest in a week) and got in it this morning for the school run - same issue - engine turning over, just not firing up. (Dad is now his daughters worst enemy!)

So, I got out the easystart, quick spray into the air intake and she powered up straight away.

Missus, after the school run, then took the car back to Mercedes. The guy I saw last week was on leave today so the 'new' Guy said it could be the 'battery' and they'll need the car for 3 days or so to fully charge the battery and then run further tests.

Wife came home (with the car), told me this so I got the docs out - new battery fitted by Mercedes in April 2010 - so, this should be covered under the 3 year Mercedes battery warranty?

If so, I'm going take it back for a battery swap in the next day or so.

I'll keep you posted.

(Oh - they haven't mentioned fuel lines as a possible cause - just battery. I think the battery is sound. A local battery specialist garage tested this 4 months ago and confirmed it was good/great.)

 

[Matt_EClass]

My w210 320 cdi was doing this, only on the recent cold mornings, battery was fine as checked by the AA, turned out to be no6 injector was leaking off and allowing air into the system, Indie changed the injector, not had a problem since.