Intermitent Problem with ignition

[stephentheshark]

My wife's Vaneo has developed a very nasty problem.

Basically when you start it for the first time, you here the ignition for about a second and then it goes completely dead. No matter what you do it will not start, but there is still power for the lights/radio etc.
If you leave the car for about five minutes, it will then start no problems. This seems to happen once a day, although some days there is no problem starting it. The car has had a service at an independent garage and the batteries in the key have been replaced.
The problem has been ongoing for at least six months, although early on it only happened very occasionally. Now it seems to happening much more.
I don't know much about cars and when I called up a Mercedes dealer they wouldn't give me any information, insisting I needed to get the car hooked up to the computer which would cost me at least £100. I am guessing something has gone wrong with the electronics or the starting mechanism.

Has anyone got any advice ?

 

[Stevie A]

It may just be that the ignition barrell needs replaced as this is a common fault in other modern Mercs. I think it is quite expensive but not sure. Someone else will know better. Do a forum search for ignition switch or similar to get more info.

 

[annachar]

I have a problem with my Vaneo - it starts when it feels like it - it will go for a few days and then suddenly not start. After a while - 5 mins or 3 hours, it decides it will start. I have been told it is the starter motor and am just about to get it fixed - did you resolve your problem?

 

[television]

This tread is 2 years old, so you will not get a reply. does the starter spin when it does not start

 

[annachar]

I don't think so - you don't hear anything - it is completely dead