C220cdi Auto (coupe), intermittent starting

themerkyworld · 13-02-2009, 04:56 PM

I have trawled the threads for anyone who has had a similar problem to mine, buy alas to no avail.

My car is a C220cdi Auto coupe (Dec 2003 53 plate 46,000mls), which only starts intermittently, the weather, location etc does not seem to matter and it can go a several days with no problems, then suddenly and for no apparent reason when I put in the key and turn….nothing, if I keep the key engaged for about a minute (sometimes longer) it will burst into life as if nothing has happened.

It does not labour at all when it does start and all the dashboard lights illuminate as normal whether it starts or not, the battery is fine and the relevant fuses seem to be intact. There are also no error messages
This is why I have not as yet taken it into the main dealers as it is so random, but as it is happening more frequently time has come to sort it out.

Any advice would be appreciated thank you.

BlackC55 · 13-02-2009, 05:06 PM

This does sound like the beginnings of an ignition switch failure.

themerkyworld · 13-02-2009, 05:13 PM

thanks that does not sound to bad (expensive) ?, i was dreading a ecu type problem.

Pity you are 200 odd miles away otherwise i would bring it in.....thanks again

BlackC55 · 13-02-2009, 05:19 PM

I have had people come from all over the country visit the workshop. It is a nice feeling.

The ignition switch is about £400 plus fitting and coding. Have you tried the spare key?

themerkyworld · 13-02-2009, 05:29 PM

yes i have got exactly the same response with the spare key!

themerkyworld · 26-02-2009, 05:53 AM

Just a quick footnote to this thread for anyone who has or may have a similar problem.

The problem (which is now rectified) was actually a faulty starter motor.
this was a bit of a suprise given the low miles on this car but a pleasant one as it came in at under £180 fitted inc vat from a friendly independent.

13-02-2009, 04:56 PM	#1
themerkyworld New Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4	C220cdi Auto (coupe), intermittent starting I have trawled the threads for anyone who has had a similar problem to mine, buy alas to no avail. My car is a C220cdi Auto coupe (Dec 2003 53 plate 46,000mls), which only starts intermittently, the weather, location etc does not seem to matter and it can go a several days with no problems, then suddenly and for no apparent reason when I put in the key and turn….nothing, if I keep the key engaged for about a minute (sometimes longer) it will burst into life as if nothing has happened. It does not labour at all when it does start and all the dashboard lights illuminate as normal whether it starts or not, the battery is fine and the relevant fuses seem to be intact. There are also no error messages This is why I have not as yet taken it into the main dealers as it is so random, but as it is happening more frequently time has come to sort it out. Any advice would be appreciated thank you.

13-02-2009, 05:06 PM	#2
BlackC55 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Horndean, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Southsea Car: C43 AMG with mods, ML270, Mk1 Golf cab. Mk1 Caddy fully restored 7.5T truck Rotax Max race Kart ETC Posts: 8,503	This does sound like the beginnings of an ignition switch failure. __________________ Prestige car Service: I am listed here on MBClub please click to see services and discounts available.

13-02-2009, 05:19 PM	#4
BlackC55 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Horndean, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Southsea Car: C43 AMG with mods, ML270, Mk1 Golf cab. Mk1 Caddy fully restored 7.5T truck Rotax Max race Kart ETC Posts: 8,503	I have had people come from all over the country visit the workshop. It is a nice feeling. The ignition switch is about £400 plus fitting and coding. Have you tried the spare key? __________________ Prestige car Service: I am listed here on MBClub please click to see services and discounts available.

13-02-2009, 05:13 PM	#3
themerkyworld New Member Threadstarter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4	thanks that does not sound to bad (expensive) ?, i was dreading a ecu type problem. Pity you are 200 odd miles away otherwise i would bring it in.....thanks again

13-02-2009, 05:29 PM	#5
themerkyworld New Member Threadstarter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4	yes i have got exactly the same response with the spare key!

26-02-2009, 05:53 AM	#6
themerkyworld New Member Threadstarter Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 4	Just a quick footnote to this thread for anyone who has or may have a similar problem. The problem (which is now rectified) was actually a faulty starter motor. this was a bit of a suprise given the low miles on this car but a pleasant one as it came in at under £180 fitted inc vat from a friendly independent.

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