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I recently got myself a 2011 Mercedes GL350 with the OM642, and I absolutely love it. I have replaced the timing chain and guides and a front air strut, besides that it runs like new now. I got 2 issues with it, one for starting, and one for the AIRMatic, but that will be for another thread.
I recently started to get this weird starting issue with my GL, it now started to intermittently give me like a half crank with no start. I would push the start and the starter would crank the engine for a half crank and just die. This can happen anywhere from 1 to as much as 5 times in a row untill it then gives me a proper full start and crank and start the engine as normal. No check engine. Sometimes this issue doesn't even come up and I just start and go, no matter if its cold or hot.
I have swapped the starter relay as I got a code for a relay or fuse "Power to Relay it Fuse unexpectedly lost" or something like that. So I swapped the starter relay and the issue still persists. This is an intermittent issue, it happened once yesterday, this morning it took 4 before giving me a full crank. Sometimes none. And it started happening like a week ago, and I'm out of ideas. Can someone help me resolve this? I will scan the car with XENTRY when I get home and post the codes.
Sounds like electronic issue, what is not my expertise, but there is simple rule for each engine issue, what is to make good tuneup.
-new filters
- check connectors
-run live data and check both fuel pressures.
-you are pointing fuse issue, so change the fuse to new one and spray the contacts with a cleaner.
Car has brand new intake filters and fuel pressure is good. Again, when it cranks it WILL start. But it gives a half crank and stops, then i have to cycle the key again. Eventually it will start.
I will replace the battery with a spare i have today and see if the issue goes away. This battery is only 3 years old. But who knows.
The issue hasn't come up today, but this is the code from when it did come up. I could not find any info on this. Can someone explain what this could be?
In my opinion your starter is shot. Could also be the starter solenoid. Sometimes the starter dies right away, then nothing happens when the key is turned. Other times the starter dies a slow death like you explained it. It happened also on my CLS350 with the OM642.
This could also explain your fault code. The relay works, but since the engine doesn't start it stores the DTC that the relay switched off too early, thinking that if the relay would be ON longer, the engine would start. But it is the starter that's not turning...
What happens if you hold the key in the "start" position until the engine is running?
Keyless go version: what happens if you keep the button pressed until the engine is running?
If I keep the PSB (push-to-start-button) pressed the car attempts to crank over an over and will usually start after 5-20 tries. When the engine is warm or hot it will fire up first try. Here is what the cranks look like when it does not work, this is not holding the button down but manually cycling it.
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
I'm having the same issue. About 10%-15% of the time when I press the push start button to crank the engine, I'll get half a crank and it obviously won't start. I have to push the push button a couple of times and then it will crank properly and start on the next try. I was thinking my battery was starting to take a crap, but it's only 3 years old. I guess it's the starter starting to fail... How big of a job is it to change one?
Keep us posted if you manage to fix it. I'll do the same.
New one has not come in yet, but replacing it is a pain in the *** on its own. You physically cant remove the starter because the engine mount is right behind it, so when you go to slide it backwards to remove it hits the mount. I removed and cleaned it on the weekend, you have to remove the PS air filter housing and to remove it, then you have to unbolt the engine from both engine mounts, and hook up the engine to an engine crane/jack and raise it by a few inches. After that you need to remove the heatshield that is also by the starter and exhaust, once you have done that the starter can be wiggled out towards the top of the engine, I highly recommend a second pair of hands from the top, while you are working below.
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
Originally Posted by LeonF
New one has not come in yet, but replacing it is a pain in the *** on its own. You physically cant remove the starter because the engine mount is right behind it, so when you go to slide it backwards to remove it hits the mount. I removed and cleaned it on the weekend, you have to remove the PS air filter housing and to remove it, then you have to unbolt the engine from both engine mounts, and hook up the engine to an engine crane/jack and raise it by a few inches. After that you need to remove the heatshield that is also by the starter and exhaust, once you have done that the starter can be wiggled out towards the top of the engine, I highly recommend a second pair of hands from the top, while you are working below.
Ouch! That sucks. If I have to unbolt the engine from the mounts in order to remove the starter, I'll go ahead and change the mounts while I'm there... I'm at 365 000 km on my 2013 ML350 BT and still on original engine mounts... So they're probably due anyway... Did you order the starter OEM from the dealership or did you go with an aftermarket brand?
I replaced the starter with a new one from Amazon that I tested and it works. After installing and reasembling I went for a start and on the first try it gave me a half-crank again and did not start. It still does this every do often, but one thing I have noticed that If I get in the car and dont short press the PTS button but rather hold it down to start it always starts on the first time. Which now got me even more confused, as now I have not a clue as to what this could be.
Key gets detected, starter is good, battery is good. But it will start if I hold the button down, and can give a half-crank if I press the button (without holding it).
Anyone have any idea what this could be? This is the first time that I have had to hold down the PTS button on any of my mercedes to get it started. Usually its just a short press and the car does the rest.
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