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ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE
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Author
Posted 1/28/2009 12:31 PM
georger
Member


Date registered: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): ML 350 2003
Posts: 6

ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

Hi I need some inspiration please. My ML will not start. It cranks but will not fire up. The following has been looked at:

1. CPS - OK (changed and no differance)
2. Fuel pressure from pump OK
3. Spark plugs spark OK
4. No codes
5. No fault shown on a Star diagnosis
6. Tried reset by disconnecting battery leads
7. Brake lights work
8. Battery OK

I have to use it to get to work so really stuffed without a car. A challenge for someone to help please!!!
#142066
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Author
Posted 1/28/2009 2:24 PM
cmitch
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Ala-Tenn
Vehicle(s): 2002 ML320, 2005 S430 4Matic, 2010 F150 Super Crew
Posts: 3412
2000
RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

There is a CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR located on the front left of your engine. Have it checked to see if it's the problem. I would then start trouble shooting the relays in your fuse block.
#142076 - in reply to #142066
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Author
Posted 1/28/2009 3:57 PM
georger
Member


Date registered: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): ML 350 2003
Posts: 6

RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

Hi the CPS has been checked. Silly question, but how do I check a relay, is a case of doing a continuity check? note the fog lamps do appear to be out so I guess that is a first place to look?
#142084 - in reply to #142066
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Author
Posted 1/28/2009 7:18 PM
cmitch
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Ala-Tenn
Vehicle(s): 2002 ML320, 2005 S430 4Matic, 2010 F150 Super Crew
Posts: 3412
2000
RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

georger - 1/28/2009 2:57 PM Hi the CPS has been checked. Silly question, but how do I check a relay, is a case of doing a continuity check? note the fog lamps do appear to be out so I guess that is a first place to look?

You have a Crankshaft Position Sensor, which is what you probably checked (located at the back of the engine) and you have a CAMSHAFT position sensor located on the front left of the engine. The relays can be checked by swapping them, like for like, ONE AT A TIME until you change something. But, if I were a betting man, that's not where your problem is.

Another question: Are you getting a 'Start Error' on your odometer window, by any chance? Turn your key and let it cycle all the way through it's attempt to start. When it shuts itself off (usually in about 10 to 15 seconds), check and see if the words 'Start Error' appear on your odometer window (where your vehicle mileage is displayed on the dash).

#142105 - in reply to #142084
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Author
Posted 1/29/2009 5:16 AM
georger
Member


Date registered: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): ML 350 2003
Posts: 6

RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

No start error, but it is being towed to an independant MB garage this morning so hopefully it will be sorted out quickly. Will post the answer. Thank you
#142146 - in reply to #142066
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Author
Posted 1/30/2009 3:29 PM
georger
Member


Date registered: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): ML 350 2003
Posts: 6

Re: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

Much to my disgust, the problem was a blown fuse - something the MB technician should have spotted and saved my 3 hours labour charges and towing - Not happy, but relieved to have my car back on the road.
#142340 - in reply to #142066
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Author
Posted 1/30/2009 5:27 PM
cmitch
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Ala-Tenn
Vehicle(s): 2002 ML320, 2005 S430 4Matic, 2010 F150 Super Crew
Posts: 3412
2000
RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

Ordinarily, when someone asks a question about why their car doesn't start, do this, do that, etc., I assume that the fuses were the first thing they checked before asking the question. Naturally, I need to quit assuming such and ask, "Did you check the fuses?".
#142359 - in reply to #142066
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Author
Posted 1/31/2009 5:39 AM
georger
Member


Date registered: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): ML 350 2003
Posts: 6

RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

I thought I had checked the fuses, but did not realise there was another fuse panel in the drivers comparment in the side panel (fuel pump fuse). Having said that if an experienced mercedes mechanic comes out is it not the first thing he would check also?
#142409 - in reply to #142066
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Author
Posted 1/31/2009 8:17 AM
cmitch
Expert




Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Ala-Tenn
Vehicle(s): 2002 ML320, 2005 S430 4Matic, 2010 F150 Super Crew
Posts: 3412
2000
RE: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

georger - 1/31/2009 4:39 AM I thought I had checked the fuses, but did not realise there was another fuse panel in the drivers comparment in the side panel (fuel pump fuse). Having said that if an experienced mercedes mechanic comes out is it not the first thing he would check also?

I agree with what you're saying. Sometimes, when diagnosing problems, even the most experienced can't see the forest for the trees.

But you said the 'Fuel Pressure from the pump was okay'. How could it have been okay if the fuel pump fuse was blown? And I know of no fuse panel in the 'driver compartment' unless you are referring to a European model with steering on the right side. All U.S. models have a fuse compartment next to the passenger side footwell. Do you live in England? Fill out your user profile on the left by accessing your 'My Profile' at the top left of the window. This information of what year model and where you live could help us to help you. I really hate that you spent all that time and money over a blown fuse.

 

#142414 - in reply to #142409
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Author
Posted 1/31/2009 1:08 PM
georger
Member


Date registered: Nov 2008
Location: UK
Vehicle(s): ML 350 2003
Posts: 6

Re: ML350 wont start - mechanic baffled - HELP PLEASE

I have updated my profile. It is RHD. The fuel pressure was checked on the star system by the MB technician (so he said) as I asked if the car was fuelling up to the injectors and he said there was no problem with the pressure (hence my comment). I guess I could complain to MB as they effectively cost me £200 Uk pounds, but they will deny any responsibility.
#142440 - in reply to #142066
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