Start sequence failure
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Start sequence failure
At last, a problem since I've been feeling left out what with no problems for over a year.
Stopped at my dealer for my weekly free cuppa and when I attempted to start the engine to depart, the starter would not operate. After about ten attempts which included removing and reinserting the key several times, it finally lit off. And kept working after a few shutdowns including today.
So I walked inside and accosted a service writer who just happened to have a shop tech wasting some time with him and I asked what would cause this. And whether he thought this would eventually fail completely.
The response was two of the blankest looks I've seen in recent memory when both claimed they had never seen this and had no idea.........
Well, except to bring it in so it could be plugged in etc. Very disappointing.
So, my question is, has anyone here had this EXACT starting failure and if so, what was the fix?
Stopped at my dealer for my weekly free cuppa and when I attempted to start the engine to depart, the starter would not operate. After about ten attempts which included removing and reinserting the key several times, it finally lit off. And kept working after a few shutdowns including today.
So I walked inside and accosted a service writer who just happened to have a shop tech wasting some time with him and I asked what would cause this. And whether he thought this would eventually fail completely.
The response was two of the blankest looks I've seen in recent memory when both claimed they had never seen this and had no idea.........
Well, except to bring it in so it could be plugged in etc. Very disappointing.
So, my question is, has anyone here had this EXACT starting failure and if so, what was the fix?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
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From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
Im pretty sure everyone had this happen to this one time or another. Happens to me maybe twice a year. I just take out the key and then re-insert it and it usually works after the 2nd time. I dont know what the fix is.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
C300 Luxury
I have had that EXACT failure, around December it happened to me. Although after about 10 tries or so it did get started, but come the day after, I had no luck: the car wouldn't start at all. I called roadside assistance and they towed the car to my dealer. After inspection (my dealer is TERRIBLE) they diagnosed it was the battery, so they changed it and the issue STILL happened, so they said it was my key. They swapped both my keys and it STILL happened.
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
C300
I have had that EXACT failure, around December it happened to me. Although after about 10 tries or so it did get started, but come the day after, I had no luck: the car wouldn't start at all. I called roadside assistance and they towed the car to my dealer. After inspection (my dealer is TERRIBLE) they diagnosed it was the battery, so they changed it and the issue STILL happened, so they said it was my key. They swapped both my keys and it STILL happened.
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
From: British Columbia
2011 E350 4 Matic
I have had that EXACT failure, around December it happened to me. Although after about 10 tries or so it did get started, but come the day after, I had no luck: the car wouldn't start at all. I called roadside assistance and they towed the car to my dealer. After inspection (my dealer is TERRIBLE) they diagnosed it was the battery, so they changed it and the issue STILL happened, so they said it was my key. They swapped both my keys and it STILL happened.
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
That sucks, in the event this happens to more people, was there some TSB or some other reference on your work order?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
C300
no.... well. its seem fine.. never had that problem yet.. I HOpe NEVER"" lol.. Never trust the dealers.. Before I had a 2004 BMW M3.... I had to take that car to the dealer 4 times for one little problem... u know what.. Rear size window won't push out.. Problem: window motor modules smoked."" I had to take this to another GOOD dealer to fix this.. took me over 3 weeks.. lolz..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
At last, a problem since I've been feeling left out what with no problems for over a year.
Stopped at my dealer for my weekly free cuppa and when I attempted to start the engine to depart, the starter would not operate. After about ten attempts which included removing and reinserting the key several times, it finally lit off. And kept working after a few shutdowns including today.
So I walked inside and accosted a service writer who just happened to have a shop tech wasting some time with him and I asked what would cause this. And whether he thought this would eventually fail completely.
The response was two of the blankest looks I've seen in recent memory when both claimed they had never seen this and had no idea.........
Well, except to bring it in so it could be plugged in etc. Very disappointing.
So, my question is, has anyone here had this EXACT starting failure and if so, what was the fix?
Stopped at my dealer for my weekly free cuppa and when I attempted to start the engine to depart, the starter would not operate. After about ten attempts which included removing and reinserting the key several times, it finally lit off. And kept working after a few shutdowns including today.
So I walked inside and accosted a service writer who just happened to have a shop tech wasting some time with him and I asked what would cause this. And whether he thought this would eventually fail completely.
The response was two of the blankest looks I've seen in recent memory when both claimed they had never seen this and had no idea.........
Well, except to bring it in so it could be plugged in etc. Very disappointing.
So, my question is, has anyone here had this EXACT starting failure and if so, what was the fix?
My problem might be a tad bit different though. I'll put the key in, turn it to On and everything lights up as normal but when I turn it to Start nothing happens. No clicking, no nothing, not a single sound can be heard. I can try and turn it from On to Start many times, all to no avail. However, all I have to do it turn the key to off and then try and start the car again and it always starts right away. I've never had to remove the key. Just turn it to off, then try and start it again and it always works once I've done that.
Very similar but maybe slightly different then what others are reporting?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
2009 C350-Sold. Now, M3 Vert
Krytech...I've had this exact same thing happen to my 350' a couple of times. No removal of the key necessary...just turn it to off one time...then she starts right up.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
I have had that EXACT failure, around December it happened to me. Although after about 10 tries or so it did get started, but come the day after, I had no luck: the car wouldn't start at all. I called roadside assistance and they towed the car to my dealer. After inspection (my dealer is TERRIBLE) they diagnosed it was the battery, so they changed it and the issue STILL happened, so they said it was my key. They swapped both my keys and it STILL happened.
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
FINALLY though I spoke with a tech the following day who said this problem happens often with 2008 W204s. It is the IGNITION, I waited a full 10 days for the part to come in from Germany and they changed it and now my car has been fine since.
So have them check the ignition, and frankly be prepared to wait.
Hope this helps,
Tony
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 300
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 c300
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
991 C2S, AP2 S2000, E400 Coupe
This also happens to 2009 C300 once or twice a month. Usually turning the key to "On" and then starting again solves it.
I've been hesitant to even bring it up with my SA since I know it's not reliably reproducible and I'm concerned that having their techs poke around would do more harm than good. I am slightly worried that the problem will get worse over time and that I'll have to get it repaired out of warranty.
I've been hesitant to even bring it up with my SA since I know it's not reliably reproducible and I'm concerned that having their techs poke around would do more harm than good. I am slightly worried that the problem will get worse over time and that I'll have to get it repaired out of warranty.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
No start
That site is too vague. It might refer to this specific problem but "does not start" is too non-specific. There are a lot of reasons for the engine not starting but they don't break it down.
I printed it out anyway and will ask the service manager who I know well. What I am NOT going to do is wait around for it to malfunction again and maybe need a flatbed.
I printed it out anyway and will ask the service manager who I know well. What I am NOT going to do is wait around for it to malfunction again and maybe need a flatbed.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,499
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I had a look at our bulletins when a few W204 owners reported the problem at these forums when the 204 was released to the US market but I did not find any bulletin about starting problems.
Now I had a look again and there are a couple where the starter motor runs but the engine does not start (fuel pump drive related) but this case should be different (the starter motor does not run?).
I actually found a bulletin with the title "Starter does not turn, engine does not start" but the first related complaint was listed as "Starter turns but engine does not start".
Or perhaps this is only one of the few options that the driver may observe. The remedy in this case anyway was actually a new, improved front pre-fuse box. Fixes an issue with the "no-load current switch".
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
This also happens to 2009 C300 once or twice a month. Usually turning the key to "On" and then starting again solves it.
I've been hesitant to even bring it up with my SA since I know it's not reliably reproducible and I'm concerned that having their techs poke around would do more harm than good. I am slightly worried that the problem will get worse over time and that I'll have to get it repaired out of warranty.
I've been hesitant to even bring it up with my SA since I know it's not reliably reproducible and I'm concerned that having their techs poke around would do more harm than good. I am slightly worried that the problem will get worse over time and that I'll have to get it repaired out of warranty.
- Eric
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Posts: 5,113
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,423
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
The problem I've experienced has only happened less than a dozen times in the past two and a half years and the work around has been 100% reliable which almost makes the entire sitsuation a non-issue. That said, I do want it fixed and I am on record with this problem at my dealer now. I should have about another 18mo to get it addressed before my warrenty is up.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 242
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From: Miami, FL
C300 Luxury
Wow hey I CANNOT find the work order, I've found every single other one I have.. All I remember is the dealer changed the "ignition switch". Hope that helps
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
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From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
yep, rushing is what I have narrowed it down to also. If i jump in the car, and stick in the key and quickly turn, nothing will happen. Just take your time.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 2
From: OC, So Cal
C300 Sport AND 93 Mazda RX7 Single Turbo
This just happend to me at 65k miles this weekend.
I was leaving a club, and I get into my car, I turn the key to start, nothing happens. Radio doesn't even turn on. I try it on and off a buncha times and nothing. I even thought it cuda been a weak battery so even with another person jumping the car, turn the key nothing. SOO EMBARASSING!! I thought maybe the car would require more juice so I called AAA, and they came out with their tow truck, hooked up the jumper cables and nothing. I wanted to get it towed, but I needed a flatbed, and since it was raining that night, they couldn't tell me when one would be available. So I was stranded with my friends til about 3 am, til someone finally picked us up.
I come back to the car in the morning to try and start it again, and nothing. I had it towed to the shop, turns out its prob the EIS. I will know for sure on Monday. My car is outta factory warranty dammmittt. Make sure uyou guys bring it in if you ever have any problems. You wouldn't wanna be stranded if you ever had a hot date, or luckily I wasn't leaveing with any females that night! Could you imagine!
I was leaving a club, and I get into my car, I turn the key to start, nothing happens. Radio doesn't even turn on. I try it on and off a buncha times and nothing. I even thought it cuda been a weak battery so even with another person jumping the car, turn the key nothing. SOO EMBARASSING!! I thought maybe the car would require more juice so I called AAA, and they came out with their tow truck, hooked up the jumper cables and nothing. I wanted to get it towed, but I needed a flatbed, and since it was raining that night, they couldn't tell me when one would be available. So I was stranded with my friends til about 3 am, til someone finally picked us up.
I come back to the car in the morning to try and start it again, and nothing. I had it towed to the shop, turns out its prob the EIS. I will know for sure on Monday. My car is outta factory warranty dammmittt. Make sure uyou guys bring it in if you ever have any problems. You wouldn't wanna be stranded if you ever had a hot date, or luckily I wasn't leaveing with any females that night! Could you imagine!
