Hello all MB lovers...

I just searched for "starter" issues and checked all 5 pages (over 800 post) and could't locate the same issue...

If i missed the post then sorry...

My car is a S203 C270 CDI from 2002
(W203 stationcar)

This is my issue...

2 weeks ago i experienced that I turn the key in the ignition. The motor will attempt to start. It vibrates the engine.

The engine will not "catch" and start. Sometimes, it will appear to "catch" and start, but then sputter and die out.

If I attempt to turn the key again (after removing key), the same problem repeats.

I kept trying it few times then suddenly it catches and works fine... and it will continue to work fine the rest of the day.

There's no way to predict when this happen, but it's been happening at least once or twice during last week...

End of last week it had the same issues... and instead of starting the Starter dies... it won't turn the engine it only whines at the starter when i turn the key.

I transported the car to the Mech and we replaced it with a new Bosch starter.

The car worked fine 2 days...

Then suddenly again BUT this time i turn off the key or take it out then the starter still continues to run...

I had to jump out and remove the battery to stop it... it would't stop.

Then i tried to plug the battery again after 10 minutes it automaticly starts all over again with the starter going crazy... I ended up by waiting 35 minutes and i could plug the battery on and it started like a charm...


Today (next day)... it started fine and we went out but when we wanted to head home it did it again where there the key is removed and the starter won't stop sounding like crazy...

We waited upto 3 hours and tried every hour to plug the battery the starter goes crazy.

I give up and arranged a transporter...


Anybody experienced this before ?

Any ideas what it can be...?


I was told by Mech that there is a Relay behind the key slot which gives signal to the diesel pump, so thats why the enigine won't start because its not getting any fuel... but i don't understand why the starter is going crazy and won't stop... even after removing the keys... as mentioned we had to unplug the battery to stop it...


Please give me some good advices...

Thank you all...

 

If I had to bet, I would put money on your ignition switch itself. I had a similar issue in my Audi. If you can find a DIY on the ignition switch replacement follow that, pull the switch and inspect it for cracks. Mine was literally broken in half.

My starter solenoid would stay engaged and after the motor was started and would grind into the clutch and flywheel every time I shifted.

Could also be the starter itself. Could be a bad starter solenoid/ bendix/ sticky motor brushes. Many time oil and grime will enter the starter motor body through the heat vents and cause the starter to lock up. Causing the crazy noises you're hearing. Many auto part chains can bench test the starter for you if you can easily remove it from the car.

Personally, I would start with the ignition switch. Its a relatively cheap part and it couldnt hurt to put a new unit in as they are known to wear out. My switch caused all kinds of goofy issues in the weeks before it went bad. Radio issues, starting issues, etc etc.

I highly suggest you try rockauto.com for both the switch and the starter if you need either. Watch where the part is being shipped from. Many parts come from europe to the states and the shipping is outrageous. I suspect you are in europe or australia based on your use of the word "transporter"

Maybe try some electrical connection spray lube/ cleaner in the key hole.

 

Thank you for suggestion...

Yes i am in EU (Denmark)... you are right i should have used the word Tow truck, right ? Or do u use another word for it ?

I will suggest it to the mech...

Please if there is more suggestion then shoot at me...

Thx all...

 

Tow truck, wrecker, junk man. It all works

My audi was a 2001, not sure how much is interchangable between the audis/ merc of that time period. Just trying to help out. Please do make sure to report back what the issue was so other can learn from you.

I did a quick price check and the ignition switch in the states is about $18 shipped. Not sure how that translates to DE.

 

Thank God.. its solved now...

This is what happened...

Because of the start problem i managed to kill my old starter (mentioned already), replaced it...
Then when attempting to start again at the work shop my diesel pump (item nr: A 611 070 05 01) begins to leak... bought a refurbrishd and replaced it (http://www.ebay.com/itm/300544395276...84.m1439.l2649)

And i even ended up replacing the battery because it was dead after so many try and found out that i had a smaller battery (75 amp) and needed a 100 amp.

After all changed we test it with the tester (car computer tester) and this time it showed a new error... it was showing this:

item nr: 003 153 9728 Camshaft position sensor (http://autoimport.dk/images/thumbnai...8_x348y263.jpg)
and
item nr: 003 153 2728 Crankshaft position sensor (http://autoimport.dk/images/thumbnai...8_x348y263.jpg)

I hope its the correct name i used...

But now she works like a charm and starts everytime without any issue...

Still don't understand why the starter didn't wanted to stop but it didn't do that again since that time...

So those who have starts problems (where it feels like there is no fuel getting into the system) then remember try to change the items i listed... its at least a cheap change.. might be the solution for you too...


Thank you for your time all and hope u the best with your cars...

 

These cars have a crank 'till start feature. You don't have to hold the key in the crank position. If the EIS does not get the right information from the CPS it can go on cranking.

 

Merc didn't design this with a timeout as a failsafe?! Or at least program it to stop after the key is removed?! I'd be surprised if that's the case. Crazy stuff.

 

Yes ~ It is supposed to time out but something has obviously gone haywire.

 

Makes sense. The comedian in me always felt that the instrument cluster should show a sad-face after a failed start.

 

 

Indeed! LOL