Starting Problems
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Starting Problems
Hi All,
Strange thing happened yesterday. I drove my car from Boston to my house, which took about 45 minutes. Car started no problem for this trip.
About 15 minutes after I got home, I had to leave for somewhere and when I tried to start the car, I would turn the key and it sounded like it was about to turn over, so I let go of the key. It didn't turn over. So I tried again, and it turned the engine on, but only for about 5 seconds, idling below 500 RPM's then died. I was like, WTF. Tried again, same thing happened, very low idle then I gave it some gas then it was like normal again. I thought maybe just that time for some reason it happened.
A few hours later, the same thing happened again. Wouldn't start the first time, then the second try it would turn over then idle below 500RPM's then gave it some gas and it would idle fine.
Anyone have any idea why this would happen? I have had the HFM controller replaced about a year ago because it died, but those symptoms were low idling the entire time, not just when started. I have had battery problems in the past, requiring my battery be replaced like every three years, but am not sure if this has anything to do with the starting like this? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
-Greg
Strange thing happened yesterday. I drove my car from Boston to my house, which took about 45 minutes. Car started no problem for this trip.
About 15 minutes after I got home, I had to leave for somewhere and when I tried to start the car, I would turn the key and it sounded like it was about to turn over, so I let go of the key. It didn't turn over. So I tried again, and it turned the engine on, but only for about 5 seconds, idling below 500 RPM's then died. I was like, WTF. Tried again, same thing happened, very low idle then I gave it some gas then it was like normal again. I thought maybe just that time for some reason it happened.
A few hours later, the same thing happened again. Wouldn't start the first time, then the second try it would turn over then idle below 500RPM's then gave it some gas and it would idle fine.
Anyone have any idea why this would happen? I have had the HFM controller replaced about a year ago because it died, but those symptoms were low idling the entire time, not just when started. I have had battery problems in the past, requiring my battery be replaced like every three years, but am not sure if this has anything to do with the starting like this? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
-Greg
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,119
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From: Maryland
1998 C230
sounds like your battery weak
call 1800formercedes and ask one of their guys to come charge your battery. that should help you get around for a week or two, but u should look into getting a new batter.y
call 1800formercedes and ask one of their guys to come charge your battery. that should help you get around for a week or two, but u should look into getting a new batter.y
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,119
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From: Maryland
1998 C230
there was also a battery recall for some early-mid w202s
i had mine replaced for free even tho i was off warranty at 59k miles.
aparently it takes more routine maintenance of the battery to keep electrolyte levels good. the manual recommendations led to premature decay of the battery and thats why a voluntary recall was sent out to owners.
i had mine replaced for free even tho i was off warranty at 59k miles.
aparently it takes more routine maintenance of the battery to keep electrolyte levels good. the manual recommendations led to premature decay of the battery and thats why a voluntary recall was sent out to owners.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Yea, I've already have had two batteries replaced within the past 5 years. They charge me like 50% of a new battery when they come to replace it because they have like the warranty thing? First year replacement of a new battery is free, and 25% discount for every year after or something like that.
So sounds like a battery problem? I hope it isn't the fuel management system again. Thanks for u'r help. I'll get it checked out!
-Greg
So sounds like a battery problem? I hope it isn't the fuel management system again. Thanks for u'r help. I'll get it checked out!
-Greg
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,681
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From: Birmingham, Alabama
2008 SLK-280
Once the car is started it doesn't need the battery. You could take it out of the car and it would still run fine. Charging it would do no good because that's what the car does while it is running. I think it is something else. I'm sure Scorchie will come on here and tell you to turn a nut 5/8 of a turn clockwise and that will fix it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
The problem has gone away apparently. It starts up every time now, just like before. Strange...any idea why this would just randomly come up and happen a few times and go away?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Crap...totally forgot about the pix. I will post them ASAP this weekend. My car is totally not in the picture pose...so dirty from all the rain in Boston for the PAST WEEK...grrrrr. It was all nice and clean and waxed but gotta wash it again, then some nice pix 
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,119
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From: Maryland
1998 C230
donno but i have had some issues with rattling noises when i made sharp left turns but all of a sudden it has gone away entirely now...
i did seem to recall the noise went away when i filled up my tires heh
anyway..
i did seem to recall the noise went away when i filled up my tires heh
anyway..
