2015 ML350 Intermittent starting problem
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2021
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Ml350
2015 ML350 Intermittent starting problem
My wife's 2015 Ml350 occasionally doesn't start. The lights on the dash cycle through but the engine doesn't turn over. She turns the car off and trys to start it again. After doing this a few times it eventually starts. The car will then start normally for a number of weeks after which the problem reoccurs. The problem happens first thing in the morning. It has a push button start. Any ideas what the issue might be?
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 30
From: Ontario
ML350
if you think its the battery you can easily test it by using a booster and see if it starts on the 1st attempt every time. if you still have problems starting then you know its not the battery.
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Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Testing a battery is near meaningless. Your vehicle is at the age where it needs a battery replacement. Batteries are normal wear items, they don't last forever. MBs are sensitive to batteries in less than perfect condition.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 30
From: Ontario
ML350
@Babukb2 What action do you recommend to the OP?
after some attempts it sounds like the car starts, and then it runs fine until the next morning. i dont know enough about the design of the fuel filters to say for sure but maybe there is a tiny blockage preventing flow, but after enough attempts the particle moves and allows fuel to flow. until the car sits over night and the particle possibly settles and blocks the flow again the next day.
i recently changed the fuel filter, and the first start after that service took a bit to get the car started because the filter was empty. after 2 attempts to start and allowing it to crank a bit longer it started. i had the same issue when starting it for the second time. Not until i took it for a bit of a drive to allow the filter to fill up did the car have no issues starting.
attempting to start with a boost is the easier approach to at least rule out battery issues.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 487
Likes: 114
From: DFW, TX
Ml350 bluetec
@B Lafleur Your 12V vehicle battery is now 6 years old. That is pretty much the lifetime of any vehicles 12V battery. @Babukb2 The fact that the OP tested the battery is not indicative the battery is fine given the age of the battery. I have had batteries tested before and they are find and yet the vehicle barely starts until you put in a new battery and it starts just fine. Vehicles today contain so many ECU/computer systems and the MB vehicles are known to have random flashing lights in the dash indicating there is nearly insufficient voltage. The symptoms that @B Lafleur are very indicative of low voltage, How does fuel problem cause the problem of "Engine does not turn over"?
If the engine does not turn over, that means there is insufficient 12V to even power the starter. So I am not sure why @Babukb2 mentions fuel filter.....
If the engine does not turn over, that means there is insufficient 12V to even power the starter. So I am not sure why @Babukb2 mentions fuel filter.....
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 207
Likes: 30
From: Ontario
ML350
@B Lafleur Your 12V vehicle battery is now 6 years old. That is pretty much the lifetime of any vehicles 12V battery. @Babukb2 The fact that the OP tested the battery is not indicative the battery is fine given the age of the battery. I have had batteries tested before and they are find and yet the vehicle barely starts until you put in a new battery and it starts just fine. Vehicles today contain so many ECU/computer systems and the MB vehicles are known to have random flashing lights in the dash indicating there is nearly insufficient voltage. The symptoms that @B Lafleur are very indicative of low voltage, How does fuel problem cause the problem of "Engine does not turn over"?
I explained in an earlier post why i don't think it's the battery, but the battery is probably the easiest thing to eliminate as the source of the problem. OP may also be due for a new battery anyways
If the engine does not turn over, that means there is insufficient 12V to even power the starter. So I am not sure why @Babukb2 mentions fuel filter.....
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 1
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Intermittent starting issues
Hi,
My 2014 ML250 has developed the same symptoms that you've been facing. We did change the battery as a cautious first step, but unfortunately still facing the baffling problem where it intermittently fails to start every 10th or so attempts.
I wonder if you managed to solve the issue?
Thanks
My 2014 ML250 has developed the same symptoms that you've been facing. We did change the battery as a cautious first step, but unfortunately still facing the baffling problem where it intermittently fails to start every 10th or so attempts.
I wonder if you managed to solve the issue?
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 272
Likes: 49
From: Ottawa, Ontario
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
Hi,
My 2014 ML250 has developed the same symptoms that you've been facing. We did change the battery as a cautious first step, but unfortunately still facing the baffling problem where it intermittently fails to start every 10th or so attempts.
I wonder if you managed to solve the issue?
Thanks
My 2014 ML250 has developed the same symptoms that you've been facing. We did change the battery as a cautious first step, but unfortunately still facing the baffling problem where it intermittently fails to start every 10th or so attempts.
I wonder if you managed to solve the issue?
Thanks
