I went out into my car in the backyard today just to start it for a few minutes. It started then just died. I waiting about a minute then I turned the key again and all I hear is the starter and nothing else. The car was started on sunday for about 15mins and was parked for about two days in mid 20degree (f) temps. Please help.

 

Also to add its a 2007 with 46k miles on it.

 

I know this is stupid, but sometimes overlooked, do you have enough fresh gasoline in the tank?

Try to scan for any codes stored, that might also help.

There are more qualified people out there, but could it be your fuel sending unit?

 

It depends on what he means by "starter and nothing else". Do you mean the engine is cranking but not starting? Or you hear the starter whirring without any engine turn-over?

 

I hear the starter whirring and the engine seems to be turning over as well. I thought at first it could be the battery, but the starter is turning the engine over so then Im begining to worry.

 

Yeah. I parked it with half tank of BP 93+ saturday night till today.

 

No clue if it is not the battery Hopefully someone else has some ideas. Hopefully you didn't get some water into the fuel lines that happened to my grandmas s320 that was bad when combined with the really cold weather.

 

When you turn to 'run' before you actually start the engine you should hear the fuel pump prime. Could be a bad fuel pump, give it a listen.

 

She Started after continous cranking and stepping on the gas a bit. Looks like it needed more fuel due it a extremely cold start.

 

I doubt it will be battery because it usually says (entertainment features not available-or something like that) when battery is low. When I turn my key I usually hear the fuel pump. Is this correct can someone confirm this? If so then when you turn your key do you hear the fuel pump?

It's eighter Bad Battery, Fuel Pump, Starter, Or some kind of 02 sensors (air sensors).

Do you have a "OBD-II CAN" Scanner? Maybe you can pull out codes.

Give that a try bro

 

Glad you got it resolved. There must have been something other than extremely cold weather at work though, maybe some excess condensation?

It may not be such a bad idea to have your fuel filter changed at some point. Cheap insurance.

 

You sure, Karo? I thought that was only for the higher end cars with dual battery.. and they say "Convenience Features Not Available".

 

Glad it was just a cold start.

NYC has been frigid over the weekend so be content that the car held in there.

If you park outside, find a nice high fence or tree to block the wind gusts. That should help out for the next time.

 

I'm not too sure. I have seen this on a CL600 (03) and thought all Mercs might do this But since you say you thought it was only for higher end cars with dual batteries, which does make more sense to me. So I'm with you.

 

We only have 1 battery (well 2 if you want to nit pick and count the alarm battery), but you will get a similar error if the voltage goes below XX (can't remember) amount - and things like the defroster, heated seats, etc will turn off on their own.

There is even an error if you have the engine off and drain the battery below a certain voltage, according to the manual it will tell you to start the engine to charge the battery.

There is also the generic "alternator / battery - visit workshop" message.

 

You fellas that live where it is colder than a well diggers pick in December should consider a block heater. This unit attaches to the engine and plugs into a regular household outlet. It warms the block and the oil to make for easy starts in cold weather.

 

With 0W-40 in the sump I've been able to start my solidly frozen under 5 inches of ice/snow C280 in -10 F weather and on a 4 year old battery within the first try. These cars are well made to handle the cold weather, no need for block heaters unless you will dip in to the -30 F zone often. I still believe OP probably had some moisture/condensation/freeze issue.