Car won't start!
 

Hey guys,

I went to start my car (02 c230 coupe) this afternoon and it cranks but it won't start. It's not even that cold out, only -19C, and I've had it start at far colder temperatures, so I somewhat concerned.

I'm going to plug it in (block heater) for a couple hours and see if it starts then. But I have my doubts that will help any

Anyone ever had this happen? Anyone got any ideas?

I imagine if plugging it in doesn't fix it, the next step is to have MB roadside assistance tow it in to the dealer :(.

Rich...

Hope you didn't flood the plugs... You didn't stomp on the gas while cranking it, right?

Nope, I just turned the key like normal. And it cranked and cranked and cranked but didn't start....


Rich...

I had a similar problem last time...It sounded like the engine was not getting any fuel to start the engine. They had to replace the faulty fuel pump in my car.

Well good news! I got it to start after I plugged it in for a while and it started no problem.

I drove it around for a bit to make sure it was feeling ok as I have to work tomorrow and all was good. So I'm somewhat baffled....

Think this is still worth taking it in to the dealer to have them check it out? Or chalk it up to some freakish fluke?

Rich...

you should have the check it out IMO

I have heard of this problem quite a few times by now and I am suspecting I am just another one. Where is the fuel pump do you know, under the rear passengers' bench? I hate those mechanics with dirty hands working on my car interior.
:mad:

I'm going to try ethanol blended gas on my next fill to clean the fuel system out a bit and see how things go. Perhaps there is ice in the tank or I got a bad tank of gas (I use Shell gas exclusively usually).

I'll phone the dealer tomorrow to see what they think as well. At least make them aware of the problem.

Rich...

If it is water you suspect, using gas with added Ethanol could possibly make the problem worse as Ethanol is somewhat more hygroscopic than gasoline. If you add something like STP that "absorbs" water, be prepared to change the filter more than once.

Also, Ethanol has no detergent qualities.

That my friend I've got no idea...I'd take the car to the dealer if I was you while you can get your car running. When I had the problem last time I had to tow my car to the dealer cos it wouldn't start at all.