Intermittent Starting Problem - Very Strange
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
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1995 320E
Intermittent Starting Problem - Very Strange
Hello Listmates:
My 1995 320E with 116,000 miles runs like a champ - with just one problem:
I have an intermittent starting issue that evades detection. OK : About six weeks, I got in the car for the morning commute,
turned the key, and the usual row of instrument lights came on, but nothing happens. No starter cranking at all. Silence. All
electricals were normal - lights, radio, etc. Towed the car into my shop - run by a very experienced mechanic with decades
of MB and other high end car experience. He said the ground for the car was corroded, and cleaned the ground. He found
a dead battery cell, se we replaced the battery. Everything is fine for six weeks.
A few days ago, I get in the car, turn the key, all the instruments lights come on - and nothing - no cranking. Turn a few more
times, and it started normally the third time. All operation normal. I don't want to be stranded in an isolated location
with a dead car. We have not been able to replicate the problem at the shop.
Has anybody ever experienced this? Any and all input welcomed.
Thanks!
My 1995 320E with 116,000 miles runs like a champ - with just one problem:
I have an intermittent starting issue that evades detection. OK : About six weeks, I got in the car for the morning commute,
turned the key, and the usual row of instrument lights came on, but nothing happens. No starter cranking at all. Silence. All
electricals were normal - lights, radio, etc. Towed the car into my shop - run by a very experienced mechanic with decades
of MB and other high end car experience. He said the ground for the car was corroded, and cleaned the ground. He found
a dead battery cell, se we replaced the battery. Everything is fine for six weeks.
A few days ago, I get in the car, turn the key, all the instruments lights come on - and nothing - no cranking. Turn a few more
times, and it started normally the third time. All operation normal. I don't want to be stranded in an isolated location
with a dead car. We have not been able to replicate the problem at the shop.
Has anybody ever experienced this? Any and all input welcomed.
Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 140
From: Westcoast/Interior
02w163ML500 / 97w210E50AMG / 99w202C230k / 95w124500e-wip
No mention of your history on what's been performed or not done, on this w124.
First, my money, is on the eco crap harness (main, lower - to an extent) and your TBA.
If you haven't remedied these, there's no way you will be able to confidently troubleshoot any issues, on this car.
Open up carefully a section of the harness tesa wrap, and casing to inspect the wires and insulation.
Search the forum/web on this "eco harness w124" and you will find plenty of reading material.
This affected ALL (except one model) MB across the platforms '92-'96.
First, my money, is on the eco crap harness (main, lower - to an extent) and your TBA.
If you haven't remedied these, there's no way you will be able to confidently troubleshoot any issues, on this car.
Open up carefully a section of the harness tesa wrap, and casing to inspect the wires and insulation.
Search the forum/web on this "eco harness w124" and you will find plenty of reading material.
This affected ALL (except one model) MB across the platforms '92-'96.
