Engine not starting
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2016
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
Engine not starting
Hello All,
Our 2008 E320 Bluetec is having starting issues. The glow plug indicator lit up several months ago (occasional), and last week, all 6 glow plugs and the module were changed. The car was driven ~800 miles after that w/ no problems.
This morning, the car will crank but not start. Finally, after several attempts, the car battery died.
It's pretty cold in MN...could this be related?
Low battery?
Any suggestions? I really appreciate the help, as the car is sitting dead in the driveway. :-/
Our 2008 E320 Bluetec is having starting issues. The glow plug indicator lit up several months ago (occasional), and last week, all 6 glow plugs and the module were changed. The car was driven ~800 miles after that w/ no problems.
This morning, the car will crank but not start. Finally, after several attempts, the car battery died.
It's pretty cold in MN...could this be related?
Low battery?
Any suggestions? I really appreciate the help, as the car is sitting dead in the driveway. :-/
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
"Pretty cold" is very unprecise technical description, but those engines should start at -25F.
First question is do you have winter blend fuel and is it still in liquid stage?
First question is do you have winter blend fuel and is it still in liquid stage?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2016
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
Thank you. It was -34°F yesterday. With the windchill, and the cars being outside, I would predict the effective temperature to be approximately -40°F. Could this be the reason? I do use a winter blend of diesel fuel.
I don't have a block heater either. Thanks much for the help.
I don't have a block heater either. Thanks much for the help.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2016
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
Any help or feedback or suggestions are appreciated, please!
It's sitting ducks on the driveway. The temp is 9 F now, and I've jump starting it with another car, and it still won't start.
It's sitting ducks on the driveway. The temp is 9 F now, and I've jump starting it with another car, and it still won't start.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
If you have scanner handy, try to scan for codes, but -34F sure calls for block heater.
Did you check the fuel?
If it gelled at -34F, it will take long time at -9F to become liquid again.
Did you check the fuel?
If it gelled at -34F, it will take long time at -9F to become liquid again.
Thread Starter
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
I will go ahead and pull codes. Hopefully, the codes are the same for both gas and diesel cars. I'll also wait a bit for things to warm up this week.
Is there a way to check whether there's fuel pressure, or if the fuel pump is working?
Thanks much.
Is there a way to check whether there's fuel pressure, or if the fuel pump is working?
Thanks much.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
SD should read high fuel pressure, but I don't own scanner, so this is 2nd hand knowledge.
But your engine should have couple clear tubings on low pressure side, what should let you observe fuel flow.
You can always pull fuel filter and shake it so see what is inside.
Make sure you wear warm gloves.
But your engine should have couple clear tubings on low pressure side, what should let you observe fuel flow.
You can always pull fuel filter and shake it so see what is inside.
Make sure you wear warm gloves.
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
Thank you. I wonder if it's due to glow plugs. The 6 original plugs were replaced with Bosch 80050 plugs, along with a new controller (doesn't MB use the 7V, while Jeep CRD uses 4V?). But I read somewhere that Bosch plugs are 4.4V rated, whereas the NGK ones are 7V.
Could this a potential issue?
Thanks
Could this a potential issue?
Thanks
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From: The Villages, Florida
2006 E320 CDI
You need to get your car in a garage for a couple of days. A heated garage would be ideal. I am thinking it is a fuel issue, it has gelled. As others have said it should start with no problems even without the glow plugs working correctly.
Mike T
Mike T
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
Thank you! Miraculously, the car finally started yesterday, when it warmed up a bit above 10F. I primarily use winterized diesel fuel in MN, but perhaps it still partially gelled, as you guys mentioned.
Glad to know it's not a fuel pump, CPS, or other expensive issue...hopefully :-)
Drove it around 30 miles!
I will still try to replace the Bosch glow plugs with NGK ones. Something tells me there's some issue with the Bosch...maybe others had some experience.
Thanks tremendously for the advice!
Glad to know it's not a fuel pump, CPS, or other expensive issue...hopefully :-)
Drove it around 30 miles!
I will still try to replace the Bosch glow plugs with NGK ones. Something tells me there's some issue with the Bosch...maybe others had some experience.
Thanks tremendously for the advice!
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From: The Villages, Florida
2006 E320 CDI
Mike T.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Thank you. It was -34°F yesterday. With the windchill, and the cars being outside, I would predict the effective temperature to be approximately -40°F. Could this be the reason? I do use a winter blend of diesel fuel.
I don't have a block heater either. Thanks much for the help.
I don't have a block heater either. Thanks much for the help.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 114
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2001 ML320 (gave to family member), 2007 GL450
Yes, I looked at the NGK glow plugs, and they mentioned 7 V on the side. I cannot recall exactly, but I think the Bosch are 4.4V. Maybe, this may be a problem. I haven't taken out the Bosch plugs yet, but included a pic of the box.
Last edited by Isentropic; Jan 17, 2016 at 08:45 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 563
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From: The Villages, Florida
2006 E320 CDI
I did not explain very good in my last post. With the wrong glow plugs installed, you definitely will have problems starting your vehicle, but the glow plug light will act like the correct plugs are installed.
Mike T.
Mike T.
