starting issue/wont start
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Pearland, TX
2003 ML500
starting issue/wont start
I have a 2003 ML500 It tries to crank but will not kick over. I can hear the fuel pump kick on when I get under the car and have someone turn the key to the on position. I have also charged the battery to make sure its fully charged and still no change. Does anyone have a clue or hint to what it may be?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Pearland, TX
2003 ML500
I don't believe it's the starter. It continues to try and start until it stops. It doesn't want to kick over. The fuel pump does work when you get under it and listen you can hear it. I checked the shredder valve and gas flow freely so its not a clogged fuel filter. So I'm stumped any Ideas????
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Explain the problem a little better. Does the truck not start sometimes........does it happen when it's hot..........was it an ongoing problem and got worse..........etc.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Pearland, TX
2003 ML500
I noticed that it was starting to take few sec. longer to start. seemed a little worse when its colder out. I went to leave on morning and it just kept trying to start till it stopped on its own. I can hear the fuel pump kick on, and the shredder valve has a steady flow of gas so I don't believe its a fuel problems. and the battery is fully charged. I'm puzzeled. have any ideas?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Does this happen every time you try and start it or is it weather dependent?
Pushing the Schrader valve really doesn't prove anything. An actual reading with a fuel pressure gauge will tell.
When you have this problem, as it is cranking, look at the tachometer needle and see if it moves up slightly. Do this a number of times. If it moves then your ignition circuit is good and it is a fuel issue. If it doesn't then you might need a Crank Position Sensor.
Do you have a scanner? You can't own one of these trucks without one.
Pushing the Schrader valve really doesn't prove anything. An actual reading with a fuel pressure gauge will tell.
When you have this problem, as it is cranking, look at the tachometer needle and see if it moves up slightly. Do this a number of times. If it moves then your ignition circuit is good and it is a fuel issue. If it doesn't then you might need a Crank Position Sensor.
Do you have a scanner? You can't own one of these trucks without one.
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Feb 12, 2012 at 11:31 AM.
