C Class Starting Fault

[c_class_paul]

Hi,

First post, so please forgive me if it is not detailed enough or too detailed. Have searched the forums for a similar problem but not found one.

C Class C220 CDI Saloon, Dec 2002, 54,000 miles.

Sometimes the car is difficult to start - always the same symptoms:

* Turn the ignition key to the sprung position
* Dashboard self check lights come on, as does glowplug lamp
* Then nothing - no starter motor

Eventually, it will start (with me holding the key in the sprung position) but taking between 30 seconds and 12 minutes. I also turn the key back and take it out and try again sometimes.

The fault is not constant - it shows the above fault, and then will continue to be difficult for a few days, then fix itself before appearing a few days or weeks later.

I have kept a logbook of when it happens, and cannot see any pattern for:

* Date patterns.
* Outside temperature
* Time since last driven
* Wet or dry weather
* If car is parked on a slope or flat
* Amount of petrol in tank

The only common factor is it rarely happens after the car has been driven for 15 min and I try and start it soon after.

I have been to two dealers, who have checked the car over (charging me £50 each time) and each say no fault is found. There is nothing in the ECU log. I have not been able to replicate the fault in front of a dealer.

I have checked the obvous things - wiggling the automatic gears around in case the sensor switch is faulty etc.

I have been living with teh fault for about a year now - but the first time it appeared it hapenned once and then was OK for four months - it is now getting more frequent.

So, anyone seen this before? Any suggestions as to my next move?

Thanks,



Paul.

 

[rajinder_1]

Im not 100% but may be the ignition switch. It does sound like it..... worth a go at around £50. But i would confirm with some of the other members here first.

Raj

 

[television]

As Raj says could be ignition switch or starter lock out switch and that is part of the alarm, its really a matter to see if the 12volts is coming from the switch to the starter solinoid. ign switch is the most common.

Malcolm

 

[opps-man]

I had a similar problem with my 2000 C200 CDi, the fault was the batteries in the ignition key/fob.
Worth a try.

 

[Templar Al]

Does it make any difference if you try to start in Park or Neutral?
I had a similar problem on my 1994 Rover Sterling 2.7 - I made a test lamp with two wires soldered to a 12v bulb, one wire connected to earth, the other soldered to a pin (the ones you get in a new shirt!).
You can push the pin straight through the insulation to test individual wires in the circuit, but be careful not to catch other wires!
Check the feed going to the Starter Solenoid first, then work back from there.
Turned out to be a dodgy inhibitor switch on the Sterling.

Regards,
Alan.

 

[Rory]

I had a similar problem with my 2000 C200 CDi, the fault was the batteries in the ignition key/fob.
Worth a try.

That sounds very feasible - or some immobilser related problem.

I used to have Peugeot 406 that did this every couple of months. If I got out, locked the car, left it for a few secs, then tried again it would be fine.
Blow me if exactly the same thing didn't happen to a brand new C Class demonstator I had - I'd have been really foxed with the previous 406 experiences.

Have you got a second key you could try?