Loss of Power E430 - March 1999 (T)

[AndrewE430]

I've recently bought a W210 Mercedes E430 Estate on 28th April with 86000 miles on the clock.

Four days ago I tried to start the car in the morning and I got a clunk sound - it wouldn't start - the interior light worked, radio worked and dashboard lights were on initially.

My garage didn't think it was the starter motor suggesting these were reliable with Mercedes and pointed to the battery.

I started the car with a start & charge clipped-on to the battery in the evening and thought fine that will be it - engine left running for a while with a few revs.

Next day, didn't start - same problem clunk - two start and chargers attached - didn't start - clunk.

Replaced battery the following day with new Bosch 100amp unit - must have had original battery fitted previously as stamped 03/99 on negative side of Mercedes battery.

Warning lights come up "BAS" then ESP/BAS then Antii Lock Brakes/ABS warning triangle.

Manual states if battery disconnected turn wheel lock to lock (which I did) and lights will go out - which they did.

Manual also states loss of power from was it BAS or ESP.

Drove car on Friday morning at first I thought it had choked itself, but it was quickly apparent that the power had been lost.

At arrival at work (17 miles) switched-off then the car would start - clunk.

3 hours later started - took car to garage - struggled to go uphill at about 2 to 5 mph - though I would stall at one stage - stopped and started off again.

Initial examination at garage centred around something electrical - nearest plugs and air filter examined in my presence - possible question mark whether car has been serviced or not.

Any ideas anyone - including garage road test - car has only done 505 miles under my ownership.

Many thanks,

Andrew

 

[AndrewE430]

Update:

I couldn't help noticing "Dave (Spectre)'s " comments on his 500SEL (W126) regarding loss of power.

His problem seemed to be ABS relays.

Maybe its a red herring, but I noticed my brakes are spongier than my W124 E280 Estate. Could this be the problem?

Any thoughts from anyone?

Many thanks.

Andrew

 

[jberks]

Andrew - are you using a 'garage' or a merc specialist? The fault could really be anything, though I doubt the ABS issue is relevant. It could be power related, it could be a sensor, it could be anything.

The correct starting point is to extract the fault codes from the ECU. If your garage doesn't have this kit then I'm afraid they aren't really qualified to deal with your merc.

I have a good mechanic who I trust totally. He's looked after me for years. But he doesn't get my merc as in my view, he doesn't have the experience or the kit required. The car is simply too complex and too computer reliant.

Get it to a reputable independent specialist, at least for diagnosis, and then you can decide how to proceed.

 

[television]

There should be a warning that the battery must be disconnected before charging in your hand book, failure to do this can result in damage to the ECU's for engine management. You do not have a protection relay, only a fuse K40/4f5 in the control unit box. Starting from a donor car or starting device requires doing things in the correct order

Malcolm.

 

[ALAN@ECUCLINIC]

....and if you have damaged the ecu.....you know where i am!!

 

[AndrewE430]

Many thanks everyone for your kind comments.

I got the car back on Wednesday - Alan probably knows the garage - Chelsfield Motor Works - they changed the air mass meter after a diagnosis and I believe they made an enquiry with Mercedes Bromley/Orpington.

The car has got its power back, but was strange on Wednesday/Thursday with the ignition switch with that clunk and a 2nd turn of the key - someone said it needed a few miles running for the memory to reset. Naturally, I'm bracing myself for some other problem.

No clunk or 2nd turn of key on Friday (26th) - see what happens today.

Andrew