ML320 will occassionaly not start...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
ML320 will occassionaly not start...
I know this is a beaten issue...but my symptom still seems to be somewhat unique from everyone else.
Scenerio 1. Engine cranks, but will not start on first go...will only start after cool down - engine stalls at red lights or while idling etc. - classic CPS symptom
Scenerio 2. Engine cranks, but will not start on first go....will start after a few attempts - fuel pump failure symptom..
Here's what I am getting...
Scenerio 3. Turn the key to start the truck...nothing happens....just dead silence...no movement on dials...no ignition sound from engine bay...
Try it a another time or two...and engine starts normally...no stalling on idle etc. just not starting on first go at times...
I called my mechanic and explained the symptom. He certainly feels that it isn't the CPS or the fuel pump, since in both those cases the engine at least cranks when the key is moved...
What else should I be looking for?
Truck has 104K miles...new spark plugs at 94K miles, coil packs were not replaced..
Scenerio 1. Engine cranks, but will not start on first go...will only start after cool down - engine stalls at red lights or while idling etc. - classic CPS symptom
Scenerio 2. Engine cranks, but will not start on first go....will start after a few attempts - fuel pump failure symptom..
Here's what I am getting...
Scenerio 3. Turn the key to start the truck...nothing happens....just dead silence...no movement on dials...no ignition sound from engine bay...
Try it a another time or two...and engine starts normally...no stalling on idle etc. just not starting on first go at times...
I called my mechanic and explained the symptom. He certainly feels that it isn't the CPS or the fuel pump, since in both those cases the engine at least cranks when the key is moved...
What else should I be looking for?
Truck has 104K miles...new spark plugs at 94K miles, coil packs were not replaced..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Don't believe its the CPS or the fuel pump as with either of those the engine would crank. I did have a similar issue with the 02 ML500 I had and the dealer told me that they lubed the starter. Don't know which part of the starter or with what they lubed it but it never occurred again
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Thanks Sosh...
Don't believe its the CPS or the fuel pump as with either of those the engine would crank. I did have a similar issue with the 02 ML500 I had and the dealer told me that they lubed the starter. Don't know which part of the starter or with what they lubed it but it never occurred again
I guess, the preventive measures that I can take are
1. Replace the coil packs, just in case a break in them is causing it
2. Lube the starter. I will talk to my dealer SA about this, and see if he has any experience with this.
It still feels like more of a starter issue...because a break in any of the spark plug wires could possible cause a sputter (attempt to start) and then failure to start..I am just getting dead silence...
Last edited by mihir_d; Sep 14, 2007 at 05:52 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
I would not replace the coil packs as if they were bad the engine would crank also. Its also unlikely that all the packs are bad and even if one was bad it would run but not run very well. I would have a hard look at the starter lube thing and perhaps the solinoid. Could also be the ignition switch itself, or any other component in the starter/ignition switch circut.
