Cannot start the engine
Dear All
My 280GE recently cannot start properly. It needs to wait 10 mins and keep to try, finally it can start. The symptom is I can only hear the fuel pump sound! No sound from the engine when turning the key!
What problem is my G? Which part should I test now? Thanks.
:/
Hello,
Please can you explain better when you say you can only hear the fuel pump sound?
Is the engine cranking with the starter motor?
If the engine does not crank, then I imagine it may be a problem with the starter solenoid.
(But the fuel-pump would not run for more than 3 secs, if the engine is not cranking.)
Do you have this problem with every start or only with a cold engine / 1st start of the day ?
If the engine does crank, but does not start, it would appear to be a fuel-supply (or fuel/air) related issue. It could be one of the following:.
- Check the fuel lines for cracks or breaks.
- Check and replace the fuel filter.
- The 'warm-up regulator' on these engines often becomes problematic: check its electrical connections and for any cracks in the connectors.
- The one-way valve after the fuel pump may not be working, allowing fuel to drain back into the fuel tank, requiring longer cranking to re-fill the fuel system after the car has been standing a long time.
- You may have a perforation in the fuel accumulator, requiring more time to build-up the fuel pressure.
- The auxiliary air device (idle valve) could be letting in too much air to start.
- Check that all vacuum lines to the engine are in place and not damaged.
The attached PDF has details of your fuel system.(see diagrams on pages 13 & 14. and the actual components are shown on page 31)
could be a vacuum leak
hello, Eric,
you have confused me now.
No engine cranking means that the starter motor is not working, that the engine is not turning on the ignition key. Is that what you mean?
If so, you should check your battery and then check your starter solenoid - it may be sticky and not engaging. Following that, you'll need to trace the ignition circuit through to the ignition key and battery.
Hi Arnie
Thanks. Sorry for misleading.
Yes I cannot hear the engine cranking sound when I try to do ignition! I said I can only hear the fuel pump sound!
The battery was changed for a year only! How can I test the starter solenoid?
Appreciate!
Eric
The solenoid sits on top of the starter motor and is a large relay-switch that connects a high-current cable from the battery to the starter. motor and also pre-engages the starter pinion gear. before the starter begins to rotate.
Often they become sticky with age and can be dismantled and cleaned. To check whether this is the problem, you will need a multimeter to read voltage.
You will need to measure the voltage at the starter solenoid (small-wire, ignition terminal) when turning the ignition key (2 people job).
If you see 12 volts there when turning the key, it means your solenoid is receiving the correct voltage to operate, but it is either damaged or sticking.
If you do not see a voltage there, then you will need to trace the wiring back to the ignition key and also check fuses.
see here:
https://mercedessource.com/problems/engine/engine-wont-crank-over-the-starter
http://www.gwagenowners.co.uk/node/7947
All good troubleshooting advice. May I also add that you should also check the connections and earth on the starter motor.
a COUPLE OF OTHER POINTS.
Is your car automatic? If yes, it could be that your safety switch (i.e. the one preventing the engine from starting in gear) which is located by the gearbox is engaged. try fiddling the gear shift from neutral to park a few times, or spray some DW40 on the switch.
Other possibility, is the overload relay may have been activated. Try disconnecting the negative pole from the battery for a few minutes, reconnect and try again the starter.
Thanks for all comments.
Today it works without any problem. I will check all electric cable connection in this weekend. I have no idea why my 280GE have over 7 relays and the electric cable connection is mess!
Yes my 280GE is automatic gear. Thanks I will try this!
What and where is the overload relay ??? my 280Ge is full of electric gremlims often sorted by a hard reset.
Today my garage said it is the starter problem. Who can tell me where can I find a starter? Thanks.
It can be accessed via the rear of the front off side wheel but access is tight and you really need very small hands
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Thanks a lot
Is the engine cranking with the starter motor? No engine cranking when I trying to ignition!
I think I should change the fuel filter, as I remember the garage help to change the third party filter! I should find the right one!
Also I will check the vacuum leak!