tsk

I've got a problem with my diesel. This is a 2008 if that matters. Originally, I was driving and the car died. Just stopped middle of the street. I pulled over, and tried restarting but it did nothing. To the best of my recollection it did not turn over, nothing. Then after a few tries and maybe 5 minutes of waiting it started. I managed to get the rest of the way home (15-20 minutes). The next day or so, I gave it a test run and it made it a 1/4 mile or so before doing the same thing. I turned around and got it started after about 5 minutes again, same as originally. I think it might have done it once more the way home but I don't recall. Regardless, I got it home and parked it planning on working on it but didn't get around to it till now, a couple months later. I tried to start it today and it won't do anything, just nothing. Doesn't turn over, nothing. The glow plug light also doesn't appear to be lighting up.

I plugged in my "Mercedes code reader" and ran through things I could see. The check engine light doesn't seem to be on. But when I went through I found these messages in the system (not sure they aren't stored mind you but they seem relevant based on the symptoms):

9101 module control ESP is not sending
9102 control module ME motor electronics is not sending
9103 transmision module is not sending
912D preglow lamp is fault

Any input on where I should start looking? Seems like maybe something is not connected or is loose with those 3 codes.

Thanks in advance.

alx

Loadtest battery and check battery terminals. I believe you have a low voltage condition

a2j

When was fuel filter replaced? I've been in the similar situation (died while driving and would not start for couple of minutes) and check engine came on later and would come and go. I realized that my fuel filter was over due. Once it was changed (2 weeks after the original incident), everything went back to normal. I don't remember my CEL codes.

tsk

I tried various things on the battery. I charged it for a day and still got nothing. I also just replaced the battery because it looks like it was fairly old. But that had no affect. When I turn the key to the first position I get no glow plug light that I can see. I also get no attempt to turn over when I turn to start. Just nothing. I thought I heard half a click the first time I tried after I put in the new battery, but nothing since. I have also charged the new battery in case it was low.

As far as a fuel filter, I can change that, but the car would have to at least try and turn over wouldn't it? I'm getting no crank right now. I can see how that might give me stalling, but I'd expect it to crank over. I'm also don't have a check engine code last I got the car started. Those codes I mentioned are buried in the Mercedes computers.

What about a crankshaft position sensor? Would that possibly get me no cranking?

TX07GL450

Does the starter relay click? if it doesn't then the problem is before the relay or bad relay. "Before the relay" means that starting signal is not being sent to relay by the computer. try changing the relay as it is cheap.
If it clicks and starter doesn't rotate, then the problem is between relay and starter or bad starter. Try to supply the starter with 12V power to see if it rotates. if it doesn't then may be it needs to changed. How many miles on it?
crankshaft position sensor will give you a "crank but no start" situation as computer fails to find the crankshaft rythym to sync fuel injectors.

DennisG01

Not saying this is it, but it could be as simple as a loose/corroded connection at the starter (or a bad starter cable).

tsk

It's got 100k more or less exactly. I'll try seeing if I can get the starter to rotate and try to check that relay. I don't *think* I hear any clicking. When I turn the key to the on position, and wait a second there is some click or clunk from the rear of the vehicle. Fuel pump maybe. But turning the key seems to start makes no noise at all.

Afnd when I plugged in my scanner today (the MB scanner, not just an OBD II scanner) I really don't think it's getting a computer connection... I found more of those errors about connection to various modules, and when I tried to do an OBD scan, it said it couldn't connect to the computer. Are the computers all under the rear driver side seat?

alx

Unless you can find somebody with star/ das - take truck to dealer and have it read. There is something more sinister going on. Car will not crank/run without ecu module communication.

ecmexchange

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sak335

I don't see this being a starter issue. Focus on the fact that the car is stalling when running; the fact that it has trouble re-starting is related to whatever is preventing it from running continuously.

ecmexchange

This is a good point. Something is present, either a condition or some blockage or something to that degree, that is causing trouble. Or even something like a faulty sensor reading wrong after a while. The fact that it starts is a beginning point, build on that!

tsk

I agree it's probably not a starter issue but I'll check that to be sure. I had a previous MB that had an intermittent starting issue (not dissimilar to this). After going to a mechanic who said it was a computer module which didn't fix it, I tracked that down to a loose starter wire (the one connected to the battery cable).

The fact that this seems to be pointing me to computer issues as well makes me suspect either a computer issue or a loose wire. I'm going to check the starter stuff, but also try to track down the ECU cabling as much as possible. It's just hard because it's dark each night when I get home so I can only try things on the weekends. I'll report back if I find anything.

tsk

Just want to bring the solution in here for anyone who runs into this in the future. After much troubleshooting and pain, the problem was traced to a bad fuse box. Replaced the fuse box and it started right up.

DennisG01

Glad you got it remedied. What was the problem with the fuse box? Corrosion? Something physically broken?