Mercedes A150 not starting?

[Bhavick28]

Hi,

I've got a Mercedes A150 (W169) manual and yesterday my car wasn't starting. So basically what happens is I insert the key all the lights on the dash come on and it even engages the starter motor but it just keeps turning over but it doesn't start. I have to try it about 2 to 3 time before it finally starts. The starter motor was only changed a couple of months ago and I know it's not a dead starter because I can hear it engaging and the battery seems fine too, any ideas what this could be please? I really hope it's nothing too serious!

Thanks

 

[Bhavick28]

bump any replies?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Needs diagnostics really, could be fuel pressure, or a cam/crank sensor failure.

If you cycle the key to position 2 then 0 then 2 again, leave it, and then crank, does it start easier?

 

[mattkh]

Hi, I know it's not a dead starter because.....Thanks

The starter is very good because......it is turning the engine over.

 

[Bhavick28]

Needs diagnostics really, could be fuel pressure, or a cam/crank sensor failure.

If you cycle the key to position 2 then 0 then 2 again, leave it, and then crank, does it start easier?

Hi,

I tried this but i can't say I noticed any difference to the way the cars starting. The thing is this is an intermittent problem sometimes the car starts absolutely fine and sometimes the engine turns over and doesn't start. Am really strapped for cash at the moment so getting it scanned might be an issue for me, isn't there cheaper device I could use?

 

[mattkh]

.......I tried this but i can't say I noticed any difference to the way the cars starting.

Thanks for trying this. Sooo when you tried it this morning, did the engine start first time?
Are you good at removing relays? If you are, then remove the Fuel pump relay and put up a picture of it showing the pins.

 

[Bhavick28]

Thanks for trying this. Sooo when you tried it this morning, did the engine start first time?
Are you good at removing relays? If you are, then remove the Fuel pump relay and put up a picture of it showing the pins.

The car started first time without any issues, not to sound like a complete novice but can you tell me the location of the fuel pump relay please and I'll try and get it out and get a picture posted up please?

 

[Bhavick28]

ahh i think i found it please correct me if am wrong?

http://www.aclassinfo.co.uk/page.7.169.htm

 

[mattkh]

Have you still got the 1995 A140?
On my 1999 A160, the relay is under the driver's foot. The relays are next to the battery.
What year is your W169 A150?
What is the mileage?

 

[Bhavick28]

I've got a Mercedes A150 W169 now, sorry should really update my profile! According to the article i posted above the relays are located near the passenger side footwell. I always get a bit weary when messing around with electrics. Mines a 2005 manual. Mileage is about 80,000+

 

[mattkh]

Thanks. O.K.
Getting to the relay on my 1999 A160 is really easy. On your car, not so easy.

I think your car starting is to do with the fuel. To be certain, do the following:
Every time you want to start the car, do what Alex in post 3 suggested. If the car starts first time, each time, then we know it is not to do with the switch or ignition coilpack or injectors. Please let us know what happens.

 

[Bhavick28]

Thanks. O.K.
Getting to the relay on my 1999 A160 is really easy. On your car, not so easy.

I think your car starting is to do with the fuel. To be certain, do the following:
Every time you want to start the car, do what Alex in post 3 suggested. If the car starts first time, each time, then we know it is not to do with the switch or ignition coilpack or injectors. Please let us know what happens.

I will definitely be trying this in the next couple of days and I will let you know how I get on. I just want to reconfirm what I need to do everytime I start the car.

Once the key is inserted cycle the key to position 2, then back to 0 again and then turn it to position 2 again. Now this is where am confused slightly after turning it to position 2 for the second time do i leave it on 2 and then try and start it from position 2 or do I go back to 0 again and then try starting the car?

Thanks so much to everyone's help so far I really appreciate it.

P.S Also this test I am going to do how does it eliminate the possibility that it could be the ignition coilpack or injectors?

 

[alexanderfoti]

On the final turn, leave it on position 2 for 5+ seconds and then go straight to start.

This test helps to identify if allowing the fuel pump to prime for longer allows an easier start. If it does then there may be an issue with the relay, the pump, leaking injector or fuel pressure regulator.

 

[Bhavick28]

On the final turn, leave it on position 2 for 5+ seconds and then go straight to start.

This test helps to identify if allowing the fuel pump to prime for longer allows an easier start. If it does then there may be an issue with the relay, the pump, leaking injector or fuel pressure regulator.

Thanks for confirming this for me Should i leave it for 5 second plus on each cycle or just the last one before i try and start the car?

 

[alexanderfoti]

Just the last one but either or, makes no difference.

 

[Bhavick28]

Just the last one but either or, makes no difference.

OK I'll let you know how i get on in the next few days.

 

[Bhavick28]

I was just wondering if there are any cheap fault code readers out there for an A150? I purchased a cheap Chinese one off eBay for my Golf MK4 tdi, even though it's not the best it definitely helped identify why my car was going in to limp mode!

Thanks