E300 diesel starting fault. Any help appreciated

[bourne]

Hi guys,

I've had my '98 E300 diesel turbo 7seat estate about 2 years now and it's great, but recently developed a starting fault. I had a single glow plug failure a while ago, but it still started fine, coz there was another 5 to do the work! The glow plug light came back on for a minute or so after it started, but no problem. Then sometimes I would come to it and the light wouldn't come on at all, so it wouldn't turn over. It is currently in at my local garage and he has run some tests, but is not specialist enough to take it further. But during its stay there a pattern has emerged as he puts it away at night and gets it out in the morning.
When he gets in it to move it, he puts the key in and turns it to heat the pugs, the light stays off for 7 seconds and then comes on, and then starts as normal.
Does this suggest a further glow plug(s) failure or something more sinister?
Also the BAS light is on most of the time. Is this the brake light switch as has been suggested to me?
Any help from you guys out there "in the know" would be great.

Many thanks, best regards, Bill.

 

[television]

The BAS lamp should be the brake lamp switch only £10 and easy to fit.

Welcome to the forum and someone else should advise on the engine

 

[bourne]

thanks Mr Television, (or may I call you telly?) that's one box ticked..many thanks again.
Let's see what else may come to light with the starting...
regards, Bill.

 

[Xtractorfan]

Have a look on here for glow plug relay and then check that it is fully functional, these are prone to failure but can be repaired...