W164 Cold Weather Starting
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan and Ontario
2013 MB GLK250 Bluetech
I'm very surprised they don't install a block heater in these diesels.. esp in norther climes as us.... the cost would be minimal... even if we had to purchase a cord. My 2013 GLK250 the same.. am thinking of heated dip stick.. cheap and easy...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 522
From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
That's a less than optimal solution. The dipstick heater is very hot and concentrated. They have been known to coke the oil in close proximity. A better choice is an oil pan heater, if you can make that work. The factory option is an in line water heater, and I think that's the best option.
Not a serious test, but mine started the other day at +5F on (I think) the 4th compression stroke. The only indication of how cold it was was the fact that my butt was freezing on the seat.
Not a serious test, but mine started the other day at +5F on (I think) the 4th compression stroke. The only indication of how cold it was was the fact that my butt was freezing on the seat.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan and Ontario
2013 MB GLK250 Bluetech
thanks John... I have read that about heated dipsticks too... maybe they make them too hot.. maybe lessen the wattage... an inline water heater sounds the best option unless I get the Benz up on a hoist to access the oil pan... it's like a cocoon in there.... even the battery is shrouded lol.
ps.. my daughter who moved to SK a couple weeks ago has since purchased a battery tender and a small booster that should help with the cranking anyway..
ps.. my daughter who moved to SK a couple weeks ago has since purchased a battery tender and a small booster that should help with the cranking anyway..
Last edited by MisterMercedes; Dec 17, 2024 at 01:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 117
Likes: 17
From: Colorado
ML350 bluetec and Mini Countryman S All4
UPDATE:
This ended up being a 3 relay problem. The glow plug relay under the hood, and two of the fancy time delay relays in the rear. The glow plug relay was switching on too late and the rear ones were staying on and draining the battery. The one under the hood was replaced with the new p/n mentioned above and the two rear time delays were being stuck on and replaced with same part number. Now it fires up without any heat application needed. Faster when it's not super cold over night too.
The two rear relays in the rear are the lower left ones, I believe M and K positions...maybe...I need a map of the relays to go with the fuse map.
This ended up being a 3 relay problem. The glow plug relay under the hood, and two of the fancy time delay relays in the rear. The glow plug relay was switching on too late and the rear ones were staying on and draining the battery. The one under the hood was replaced with the new p/n mentioned above and the two rear time delays were being stuck on and replaced with same part number. Now it fires up without any heat application needed. Faster when it's not super cold over night too.
The two rear relays in the rear are the lower left ones, I believe M and K positions...maybe...I need a map of the relays to go with the fuse map.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 881
From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
UPDATE:
This ended up being a 3 relay problem. The glow plug relay under the hood, and two of the fancy time delay relays in the rear. The glow plug relay was switching on too late and the rear ones were staying on and draining the battery. The one under the hood was replaced with the new p/n mentioned above and the two rear time delays were being stuck on and replaced with same part number. Now it fires up without any heat application needed. Faster when it's not super cold over night too.
The two rear relays in the rear are the lower left ones, I believe M and K positions...maybe...I need a map of the relays to go with the fuse map.
This ended up being a 3 relay problem. The glow plug relay under the hood, and two of the fancy time delay relays in the rear. The glow plug relay was switching on too late and the rear ones were staying on and draining the battery. The one under the hood was replaced with the new p/n mentioned above and the two rear time delays were being stuck on and replaced with same part number. Now it fires up without any heat application needed. Faster when it's not super cold over night too.
The two rear relays in the rear are the lower left ones, I believe M and K positions...maybe...I need a map of the relays to go with the fuse map.
