C270CDi starting problems

[Doylepa]

Not sure if this is the correct forum, but........
Having random problems starting, in that turning the key does nothing except light up the dash - no attempt to even turn the engine over! The indications for the auto box settings W/S and park do not appear on the dash. Sometimes I get indications of brake pad wear (!) and even warning on the EPC. These do not always appear and the engine can fire up normally on other occasions. It just means that the car is not reliable. Recently, although it started (3rd attempt!) it then stayed stuck in 2nd gear!
It seems to me to be a wiring/software fault, but what to do?
Anybody have any similar experience?

 

[mersum1es]

Low battery voltage? (Measure it!)

 

[Doylepa]

Battery voltage is fine. It may fail to start for 2 or 3 tries in quick succession and then start perfectly.

 

[panason1c]

Battery voltage is fine. It may fail to start for 2 or 3 tries in quick succession and then start perfectly.

Starter motor?

 

[mersum1es]

Grounding problems, wet control box?

 

[Doylepa]

Grounding problems, wet control box?

Can you say what control box you mean and it's location? I had considered that moisture may be a problem as it is so random.

 

[mersum1es]

I'm not very familiar with W203, but front pre-fuse box is worth to check (corrosion), and I've read some reports where rear SAM has been full of mold...
( see page 16 http://www.mercedestechstore.com/pdfs/331_0405update/07-203faceliftprint.pdf). ECU is probably located under the air filter box.

Check also electrical connection of starter, like panason1c suggest.

 

[Doylepa]

Reading around it seems that maybe it might be worth looking at the traction control module and the front SAM unit - both of which are underfloor. Can someone confirm on which side they are, as I suspect that anything I've seen is for LH-drive? Are there any tricks for getting access? I want to see if there are are signs of oil leakage into these via wiring from the gearbox.