G400 v8 turbodiesel

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Thu, 20/03/2025 - 20:46
Tosh
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Joined: 14.09.2008

My 2000 463 has an odd issue that I am wondering if anyone has come across before

Some history... was driving back through France in January and about 4 hours in I got a Transfer Case error message (the one where you can put the car in neutral, hold the switch for 10 seconds and it resets). But after 4 hours drive I needed a break so I turned the car off. And then it wouldn't re-start.

I had it towed to a garage etc

They got it going, cleared the error message etc and I got it home but we now have a situation that when the engine is stone cold it starts, but once fully up to temp, it won't start as the transfer Box "fault" seemingly stops the ignition firing. Let it cool overnight and it'll start. Which does make a trip for a pint of milk a bit difficult wink. it's had a new battery fitted and we have some history of a dodgy starter motor, so I am wondering if that could be a connection, but cannot imagine the starter and transfer case are in any way linked

Just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue and what they did to fix it. Hopefully it's more "quart of oil" than "needs a new transfer case"

Just thought it worth an ask so I can point the mechanic that way and maybe save hours of pain

Thanks

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Fri, 21/03/2025 - 00:09
#1
Jdring
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Joined: 12.04.2004
Location: South of Oxford, UK. 87' 230GE SWB Manual, 89' 230GE SWB Auto, 2012 G350Bluetec LWB
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Re: G400 v8 turbodiesel

There have been a lot of 463 'transfer case' errors that appear when the battery has issues.  But it sounds like you had that addressed (or did you?).  What about the Aux battery, the small one?

New battery may not fix a poor earth either, which could be exacerbated when hot.  Check all those (2?) earthing straps, especially the one to the starter motor which gets a lot osf splash and dirt.

Thats the extent of my guessing.  I'm not a mechanic, just curious.

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Fri, 21/03/2025 - 09:19
#2
Tosh
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Re: G400 v8 turbodiesel

Thanks very much - wonder if the starter motor earth is involved but will suggest the earth straps ad  aux battery

(Just seems odd that it runs fine unless warm, making me think that it's not a transfer case issue per se)

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