W211 e class 2004 not starting

[steveq]

Hi,

I have a 2004 W211 E220 CDI (model 211206) which has just developed the fault: Defective ESP is displayed, the radiator fan runs at top speed and the car won't start.

Mine is not starting at all no matter what I do. It displayed the fault once, the fault cleared at the second attempt and then it came back and now refuses to start at all.

When you say that you replaced the ECU -- which one was replaced, where was it and at what sort of cost?

Thanks in advance.

 

[steveq]

Update to the previous mail:

The Merc specialist who now has the car says that the engine ECU is faulty and I need to replace it at a cost of €1,100 + VAT.

Is there a way to repair it?

I see that there are some specialist companies who advertise ECU repair. Has anyone any experience of these? Is it worth giving the old one to them to see if it is repairable before I buy the new one?

Thanks.

 

[television]

Thats rotten luck,, there are firms, this one does not list this ECU but you could ask them
www.actronics.co.uk

there are others

It would appear that a speed signal has been lost or killed

 

[Alex Crow]

......or go for the software update that cured Murty's problems.

 

[steveq]

Hi,

Thanks for the response.

I can't see Murty's resolution to the issue.

I was hoping that Mercuxio would give me an idea on what exactly he replaced and how much it cost.

I was also hoping the MarkPRP would say what he did on the 2 CDIs he fixed.

 

[DB autos]

Hi if Ecu needs repairing the one malcom as said Actronics have used them my self afew times and would recommend them very quick turn around thanks Dan

 

[steveq]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice.

I have sent the ECU to ACtronics as you suggested.

I hope they can work their magic.

I'll update as soon as I know more.

 

[steveq]

ACtronics tell me that the ECU needs to be re-programmed from scratch and that they can't do it.

I think I am back to buying a new one from Mercedes unless anyone has any great ideas as to how to re-program mine.

Thanks.

 

[television]

It needs someone like Cole at MBS , Steve or Alex to say if this can be done

 

[Alex Crow]

Meantime, my car has been repaired by my local MB dealer.

They did a quick diagnostic check with STAR, then a more detailed check (1.5 hours) following by re-programming the 'calculateur', which I presume is the ECU. The fault was a softwatre fault affecting communications between the ECU and the other control modules in the car's network. They assured me tnhat it was a random softeware fault and that there was no hardeare fault, bad connections. They had to work in the front of the car and the back and took the opportunity to stiff me for a new boot lock (which I needed anyway)! The ECU diagnostic and repair cost €250, so my first good main dealer experience in the south of France.

Let's see if the fault re-occurs

This was the post I had been thinking of, apparently that was the final word in this case, I have not had a phone call from him and no more posts here so it seems all is well now...

 

[steveq]

The car was towed to a local Merc specialist who I know and trust. He reckoned I needed a new ECU and I thought I would try a repair job first.

I would need to tow it away from him and get it to a Merc main dealer and they have all been "fit new parts" merchants in my experience.
I rang one who has serviced the car for me since I owned it (I wanted to keep up the Merc full service history) to ask about reflashing the ECU. They didn't sound confident on the phone -- though I realise it isn't easy to diagnose a problem remotely.

They are about 25 miles away and a tow there is just another cost with probably the same result, i.e. they'll fit a new ECU at their extortionate hourly rates.

 

[television]

This was the post I had been thinking of, apparently that was the final word in this case, I have not had a phone call from him and no more posts here so it seems all is well now...

Maybe he has starved to death not being able to get out and buy any food

 

[steveq]

The car was towed to a local Merc specialist who I know and trust. He reckoned I needed a new ECU and I thought I would try a repair job first.

I would need to tow it away from him and get it to a Merc main dealer and they have all been "fit new parts" merchants in my experience.
I rang one who has serviced the car for me since I owned it (I wanted to keep up the Merc full service history) to ask about reflashing the ECU. They didn't sound confident on the phone -- though I realise it isn't easy to diagnose a problem remotely.

They are about 25 miles away and a tow there is just another cost with probably the same result, i.e. they'll fit a new ECU at their extortionate hourly rates.

Just to finish this out.
The Merc specialist ordered the new ECU -- it had to come from Stuttgart coded for my car's VIN number so took about 5 days.
He fitted it and got it configured and all is well again (apart from me being lighter in the pocket).
Merc wanted the old part back and surcharged if it wasn't returned.

 

[television]

Just to finish this out.
The Merc specialist ordered the new ECU -- it had to come from Stuttgart coded for my car's VIN number so took about 5 days.
He fitted it and got it configured and all is well again (apart from me being lighter in the pocket).
Merc wanted the old part back and surcharged if it wasn't returned.

So they are re conditioning them,,, so your may not be new

 

[steveq]

I didn't physically see it as it was already fitted. I guess that it doesn't really matter as it doesn't have any moving parts.

 

[FrenchCollection]

Alex,

Yes all is well (except for the gearbox that is!) with my car since it was re-flashed.

Brian

 

[Alex Crow]

Alex,

Yes all is well (except for the gearbox that is!) with my car since it was re-flashed.

Brian

For others reading this thread, TAKE NOTE! A reflash may be enough.....

 

[MotardMan]

The issue I have is identical to FC's. Turn on ignition, ESP message, fan going full blast. However, I can clear the fault by giving the wheel a tug left and right (not full lock cos you would have to be Arnie to do that with no PAS), switch off ignition, and then restart.

To add to the merriment, the Parktronic died today. I've started another thread, don't worry. ;o)

The dealer I bought from is not a MB dealer, he is independant. I've asked him to allow an indie to repair the car as I have only had the car since Monday. Was thinking of using http://www.mbb-mercedesbenz.co.uk/ as they are close to me.

Let's hope it is an ECU flash, and not an ECU replace. If a new ECU is required, I'm hoping the dealer will cover it, or the warranty will.

 

[television]

The issue I have is identical to FC's. Turn on ignition, ESP message, fan going full blast. However, I can clear the fault by giving the wheel a tug left and right (not full lock cos you would have to be Arnie to do that with no PAS), switch off ignition, and then restart.

To add to the merriment, the Parktronic died today. I've started another thread, don't worry. ;o)

The dealer I bought from is not a MB dealer, he is independant. I've asked him to allow an indie to repair the car as I have only had the car since Monday. Was thinking of using http://www.mbb-mercedesbenz.co.uk/ as they are close to me.

Let's hope it is an ECU flash, and not an ECU replace. If a new ECU is required, I'm hoping the dealer will cover it, or the warranty will.

If you get little help in all this you can make the dealer take it back, they have to cover for 3 months

 

[MotardMan]

If you get little help in all this you can make the dealer take it back, they have to cover for 3 months

Thanks TV, that is good to know.

I'd like to keep the car as it took me ages to find one, but I'm not so attached to it (yet) that I won't just give it back. I'll give the guy a chance to rectify it first, it came with a 3 month warranty. Maybe some of the issues can be fixed under that agreement. It does say the dealer has to repair it, or get authorisation to have the work carried out before commencing if using a 3rd party. He is a good bloke and I don't want things to get out of hand, he has been very helpful so far.