Vito 115 intermittent non starter

[Gibbsy71]

Hi everyone, and thanks in advance for any info you may be able to share.

A few weeks ago, at the beginning of that very cold snap, the van intermittently wouldn't start. On turning the ignition, everything would light up as normal, except the heater plug coil light. Subsequently, it didn't start. Not even a click from the starter motor. When eventually it did kick into life, the dash was lit up like a Chrismas tree and all sorts of weird things began to happen. Doors locking then unlocking, speedo and revs working then not working, parking sensors going crazy. It would drive fine whilst doing this. Get home and switch off the engine, restart with no issues or warning lights.

The lights which stay illuminated when driving are -

engine diagnostic lamp

ESP malfunction lamp

ASR malfunction lamp

I do also have an obd code reader and the codes it fires up are-

U0423 and U0073

The first thing I did was replace the battery but to no avail. I cleaned and checked every fuse and relay, still no difference.
I have stumbled across something which does spark the van into life......waggling the gear stick, with the ignition on the second click. The heater plug light illuminates and it starts?
Any ideas?
Many thanks,
Matt.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Sounds like water in a SAM (Signal Acquisition Module (fancy fuse/relay box))

 

[curious]

Your heater plug coil light comments reminded me of the problems I had with my C-class and the OM646.

Still got problems with intermittent starting

I started a thread a while back where I thought my intermittent starting problems were related to going through deep(ish) water. I no longer think the water aspect is relevant but, I still have starting problems. First thing in the morning the car will start 1st time (2005 C220cdi coupe)...

forums.mercedesclub.org.uk

 

[mattkh]

Your heater plug coil light comments reminded me of the problems I had with my C-class and the OM646.

Any idea how the ECU lost its software, necessitating a reflash.

 

[curious]

Any idea how the ECU lost its software, necessitating a reflash.

No idea other than any software being susceptible to corruption.

 

[M80]

No idea other than any software being susceptible to corruption.

You suggested finding a mate with Star, surely it would need online access to re flash an ECU??

 

[curious]

You suggested finding a mate with Star, surely it would need online access to re flash an ECU??

Not with mine, it's a completey standalone developer version. I've got a 2009 s/w release version of Star which was fine for my MY05 C-class and should be fine for my MY07 Vito, if I ever need to go the same route with that ECU.

I'm not sure what date/version of Star s/w started going online for certain functionality. I think it might be circa 2011 but I'm sure others' here will know better than me.

 

[M80]

The S211 is 2009 so could benefit from that info thanks. Although, touch wood, they are built to a far higher standard than the sometimes woeful 639.

My 639 is 2014 so may be online only, if ever needed. I hope not cos that sort of involvement would scare me some. But as you said if it's the choice of that or new ECU there's nowt to lose. Well done btw.