Jerry Schwartz

Last few days , it was hard to start my auto C230K. Started up, idled rough for about 10-15 seconds. One time, the start sequence timed out, after about 15 seconds of trying to kick over, the ignition turned itself off.
Is it true, as suggested in some of the thread comments, that the key should be in the "on" position a few seconds before trying the starter ?
I've got about 6000 + miles.

Duffer

My car just arrived at the dealer today - went to look and I started it up by turning the key to the on position for a few seconds and then turned the ignition and released it.

No problem.

Experiment - after reading all comments - that's when I decided to just turn the key, let it rest a second or two and then turn the ignition

session

i had the same exact problem that you described and i found that if i hold the key in the starter position for a second instead of just switching the starter on, i get more reliable starts.

DtS

Have you guys have your fuel filter changed lately? There used to be a problem (mentioned in a service-record) with hard starting as a result of the fuel filter change.

Jerry Schwartz

Will bring car into dealer this week. The car started reliably over a thousand times without having to leave the key in the "on" position ... but for the past few days, it was hard to start ...kept cranking, started and idled rough ....

RichW

Anyone have a resolution to this issue? I've had this exact problem for quite some time now on my 2002 c230 coupe.

First time I try to start the car in the morning (doesn't matter what outside temperature) it won't start for 5-10 seconds. If if I leave the key in the starting position for 2 seconds or so (till the humming stops) it starts fine every time. The thing is, I never had to hold the key in the starting position for a couple seconds originally.

The dealer tried changing the fuel filter, but this didn't work.

Anyone have any ideas?

Rich...

Moviela

Sounds like the fuel in the "injection rail" is running back to the tank when the car is stopped. Usually the fuel sits in the rail because there is a check valve somewhere. It can be in the fuel pump, inline, or in the fuel pressure regulator. When you allow the pump to run a couple of seconds prior to cranking the the injection rail is filled and up to proper pressure. The problem is probably varnish on the check valve allowing leakage. A good fuel system cleaner might free up the valve.

c230K415

RichW

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll go ahead and try putting in a bottle of Prestone "Complete Fuel System Cleaner", and see how things go.

Link: http://www.prestone.com/products/fue...fuelAdditives0

If anyone has a better product suggestion let me know!

Rich...

dmatre

You can also try RedLine products. They're typically available at Pep Boys, and at many dealerships.

RichW

Anyone know where to get this in Canada? Didn't see it at Wal Mart or Canadian Tire up here.

The BMW/Mercedes guys speak very highly of their products, so I'd rather use this stuff.

Rich...

RichW

Well I put in "Slick 50" which is a "Techron" based fuel system cleaner. So far no success, with 1/2 tank of gas to go.

Any one have any other suggestions or products I should try? (RedLine doesn't seem to be in Canada ).

Every time I take this to the dealership they look at me like I'm an idiot, because I only have this start issue in the morning when the car has been sitting over night (even in the summer!). So they claim they can't reproduce the issue. Sigh....


Rich....

Moviela

May take more than half a tank. Try to find a product with toluene in it.

AK*S203*owner

RichW, this sounds like the same issue you are experiencing

https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-tech-talk/136601-maf-causing-starting-problem-possibly-others.html

RichW

Well I thought I'd give everyone an update. I've been through a full tank of gas with the "Slick 50" fuel system cleaner (I'm sure any good quality cleaner will do), and been through a few days of morning starts since. Good news, starts now without a hitch, no hesitation whatsoever. I've very pleased to say the least .

So looks like for anyone else that has this issue, listen to Moviela's advice (above) and try a bottle of a good quality fuel system cleaner.

I think from now on I'm going to put in a bottle of fuel system cleaner after every oil change to prevent this from happening in the future.

Thanks to everyone for all your help!


Rich...

alexhui

"delay" in order to start engine?
Anyone experience this, or know what's wrong, how to fix it?

My problem is:
If I try to start engine by quickly turning key to position #3 (crank position), it crank once, then it shuts off.

Normally, I can turn key to position #3 quickly, then engine starts immediately.

Currently, I have 2 workaround:
Workaround #1. Turn key to position #2 and leave it there for a few seconds (Normal On position), then I can quickly turn key position #3 & let go. (crank position), and engine will start immediately.

Workaround #2. Turn key to position #3 and HOLD for few seconds, then it will start on second time. (First, it will crank and die. Then nothing happens for 6 seconds. Then it will crank again and start engine normally. Then I release my key and return to ON position #2.

Many Thanks!!

2002 C-class C240 W203