E320 Wreg '2000' starting problem

[Jubba]

Help! I have a 2000 E320 that has got a starting problem. When I try and start the car it behaves as though it has got a flat battery (which it hasn't). When I jump start the car from the two jump starting pins under the bonnet it starts immediately. I have replaced the battery, alternator, starter motor and the starting sensor to the flywheel. Has anyone got any ideas please - I can't believe I am the only E320 owner that has got this problem!

 

[jberks]

Hi,
sounds like a real nightmare. The pin thing is wierd as all it's going to do is add current but you say the battery is fine so there is something contradictory here.

Are you absolutely certain that the battery is fully charged? What is the voltage when you crank? Rarer on 210s but with all the electronics, battery draining faults are still quite common. So the new battery may be as flat as the old one - we replaced a perfectly fine battery only to find the new one giving the same problem a week later.

Does it crank at all, click or just do nothing when you turn to start?

I'd also try putting the jump leads directly on the battery (I know its under the seat but still worth doing) - as I can't understand what the difference would be unless there is a weak connection from the battery to the starter.
Earth straps all ok?

 

[Jubba]

E320 starting problems

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. The battery is definitely OK. When I try and start the car the engine does not crank over it just feels and sounds like the starter motor is trying to crank the engine but just hasn't got enough power to do so, the sound is quite a loud click. I will try and start the car by jumping it directly from the battery as you suggest and I will let you know what happens. I will be back on line this evening.
Many thanks.

 

[television]

Then I think that the earth strap on the engine or battery is poor,or the connections to the earth straps to chassis, we have had this a few times

 

[Cole@MBS]

Doesn't the front jump lead connection and main lead from battery join in the front foot well, I would start there and check thats ok!!

 

[Jubba]

E320 starting problems

Many thanks, will try that today.

 

[Jubba]

Many thanks, will check all the earth straps today.

 

[BlackC55]

The ring gear may need lubrication too.

 

[Jubba]

Many thanks for your advice BlackC55, I have sent you an e-mail to info@prestigecarservice.co.uk

 

[Jubba]

2000 E320 starting problems

Hi to all you helpful people,
I really need some help now !!! I have tried all your suggestions and the problem is still not solved.
S-A-M / U-N-I-T, in which foot well and, where in the foot well if poss, does the battery lead (I presume the + lead) and the under bonnet jump-start pin cable connect together.
Please help me if you can.
Many thanks.

 

[television]

I take it the car is a 210

 

[Jubba]

On top of everything that is going on with my car I forgot to mention that my lights flicker i.e., dash, main, side etc., especially on tick over. Since fitting the new alternator the lights seem to stop flickering as much on higher engine revs. I don't know if this has anything to do with my starting problems or not.

 

[Jubba]

Hi Malcolm,
Yes I think so - petrol, 4 door saloon, reg. in 2000
Regards,
Andy

 

[television]

Is this a bad earth /ground fault with that info it could be

 

[Jubba]

Hi Malcolm,
Thanks for your advice. I will try to check the earth straps and grounding points (if I can find them).
Thanks again,
Andy

 

[television]

Juba,, I was just sitting in the little room thinking about your fault and it struck me that you could have a poor battery connection, the one in particular could be where the earth/ground lead join onto the chassis, it worth taking it off and cleaning it and the spade connection on the battery, and that why it start from the front connections

 

[Cole@MBS]

Hi to all you helpful people,
I really need some help now !!! I have tried all your suggestions and the problem is still not solved.
S-A-M / U-N-I-T, in which foot well and, where in the foot well if poss, does the battery lead (I presume the + lead) and the under bonnet jump-start pin cable connect together.
Please help me if you can.
Many thanks.

I thought it was pass side behind the metal panel, Pull the front pass side carpet right out and your see it! could be under the car? you need to follow main wires and find where they join!

 

[roofless]

if the +side is ok a easy test for the earth might be use a jump lead from the -side of the battery to a good earth like a door catch keeper on the body & try starting to see if it's any better

 

[Cole@MBS]

Or engine to body!

 

[television]

Nope,as the car start from the front points, the fault is on the battery connection, and probably the earth strap open circuit or bad chassis connection