My start stop got weak.




if the car is starting OK manually, but not automatically there is something subtle on the ECO system. As mentioned above,
- first recharge BOTH batteries,
- properly test the batteries ( voltages mean nothing for proper starting power -> LOAD test them ).
- Check ground wires on : main battery, auxiliary battery, starter ground strap, others in the trunk, passenger/driver footwellls
- scan for codes, note them, delete codes, test drive




The ECO start-stop system is not supposed to turn off the engine if there is a remote possibility of not being able to restart.
if the car is starting OK manually, but not automatically there is something subtle on the ECO system. As mentioned above.
- first recharge BOTH batteries,
- properly test the batteries ( voltages mean nothing for proper starting power -> LOAD test them ).
- Check ground wires on : main battery, auxiliary battery, starter ground strap, others in the trunk, passenger/driver footwellls
- scan for codes, note them, delete codes, test drive

ECO rule No1 is no shutoff without proven battery power. The Bosch ECU is the best thing there is in the world!
Why does this engine fail to restart ...?
There's a TSB about that condition - Check VIN if range is applicable!
I recall it's a logical software bug.
Repair will/may require dealer to flash update to ECU over connected Xentry. Of course, Peter the @BenzNinja can do all that super well for you.
It maybe something additional as well... so use a descent scanner to retrieve your fault codes.
Learn to display your live voltage on w212 dashboard... above 12.6V ??
For free instant joy...:
you can indulge in CAR REBOOTS.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; May 29, 2023 at 05:41 PM.
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So while I hope you can find the issue and fix it at little cost, it seems to me that turning Eco off is the easiest fix. I dislike Eco and it's just asking for problems imo. Like you're experiencing, plus you're annoying those behind you when you have to fumble to start the car. What worries me more is starter motor and battery life, especially in a Taxi! Price a starter and compare that to how much gas you save using Eco. I do my own repairs so it would be a fraction of the cost, but I'd still be extremely unhappy if it died thanks to over use by the Eco function. Or if it failed to start on me one single time I'd say that negates any bennies over the entire life of the car. Even if it always worked and the starter lasted forever, I find the Eco function super annoying. Plus I enjoy my AC. So after I start the car I turn that thing off first thing. I'm assuming you have a button to turn Eco off? I think we all do but just a guess?
Please post if you find the problem/fix, both for others who have it and our (my) curiosity.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




Conclusions can only be made using the correct metrics.
Same goes with the alternator. Measuring 14.5V at the battery posts means nothing if the current towards the battery is negative, i.e. discharging. An alternator is measured by its capacity to define the potential/voltage, and its capacity to deliver charge, i.e -> Positive Amps when loaded.
Last edited by JCM_MB; Jun 2, 2023 at 01:43 PM.




Even my $50 scanner has troubleshooting page, who will show all parameters needed for the function, highlighting those having problems.
Last edited by Tab007; Jul 11, 2023 at 09:50 PM.









"For some reasons" USA did not import excellent turbo diesels, who were hits in Europe. The NA models of the era lacked HP ,so were too annoying. That was 40 years ago
Than a generation ago - Europe had whole series of "3l cars" who would make 100km on 3 liters of gasoline.
= 78 mpg.
Who in this country won't let the citizens to drive economy cars.?

"For some reasons" USA did not import excellent turbo diesels, who were hits in Europe. The NA models of the era lacked HP ,so were too annoying. That was 40 years ago
Than a generation ago - Europe had whole series of "3l cars" who would make 100km on 3 liters of gasoline.
= 78 mpg.
Who in this country won't let the citizens to drive economy cars.?
Those other vehicles you speak of I understand were the pre emissions vehicles which if they would have just thrown a cat on would have been fine. Early 2000s diesels were actually higher HP here in the US. Many issues that play into this whole drama. US looking for HP gains when the market was young, then when they are looking for mileage about the same time dieselgate occured along with the extreme emissions components among other things. Whole big fubared mess. Oh and most all of the other countries have limited to basically no emissions standards with sulfured diesel and all that yet EPA and CARB destroys the US market because that will make a difference when no one else is doing it besides one or two places.
My car stil don’t start some time at start stop and now its happening more than before. I have ask one mercedes mechanic and he says you have to change the starter. So it was not the battery that i have replaced. I will get my starter changed and c.
My car stil don’t start some time at start stop and now its happening more than before. I have ask one mercedes mechanic and he says you have to change the starter. So it was not the battery that i have replaced. I will get my starter changed and c.
A few days ago, my car completely stopped starting. It stopped in the middle of the road. the starter had gone. I have now replaced my starter and now it works perfectly again. It wasn't the battery at all as claimed at the start of this thread. I had a new battery replaced which was not necessary.




I don't think we can say W212 are plagued with poor starters. They are suposedly built 5x stronger for ECO cycles.
Anywho now, your car is all good to go again !

If your aux battery is the same age as original main I would probably replace that as well.





