[Ducati-Guy]

My son has my 1999 w210 wagon on a little trip. Brakes suddenly felt 'not right'. Shortly after that the low brake fluid warning came up. I have suspected I had some rusted brake lines. So I am thinking one of them sprung a leak.

He pulled over. Shut the car off. Checked the fluid and it was very low. Called for a tow. In the meantime he tried to start the car. Turns the key and gets nothing. Is this related to the low fluid? Safety 'feature'. Will not let the car start with little or no brake fluid? Hours later the car still will not start. have not added any fluid at this time. So brake fluid tank is still at or near empty.

I know. Should not have let him, or anyone use the car suspecting there might be a looming brake problem. Bad and stupid move on my part. Was thinking the line should be fine.

 

[SkippyJasper]

I think they are unrelated. Likely cause of no start is the CPS.

What warnings are displayed on the dash?

Skippy

 

[Ducati-Guy]

Thanks. But i think it is something else. If I am correct the a bad CPS will allow the engine to crank but won't start. Mine does nothing. No cranking. This is a PIA. The car is 230 miles from where I am. Going to a shop recommended by my sons friends dad who lives in the area. Too costly to have the car towed back here.

We shall see.

 

[raymond-]

you've not made mention of battery condion review. also, when you report
'turns the key and get's nothing' while generally descriptive, it's lacking specifics
such as sounds, panel indicators or key position etc...

 

[SkippyJasper]

Agree with Raymond on additional details.
I assumed it would crank.
Has he tried it with gear selector in N?

 

[Ducati-Guy]

battery is good. at least i am pretty sure it is. There have been zero signs of weakening battery. Tried the old neutral trick. No Good. will try and get more info today as to what exactly it is doing. Warnings etc. But it is not cranking at all. Thanks all for the help. will post more info later.

 

[mrboca]

You can try charging the battery for 15 minutes, or so with a portable battery booster, and then try starting. I do not recommend use of jumper cables, as, if jumpering is not done properly, it can damage the electronics (higher voltages, transients), especially with the ignition key inserted.

Also, even if the car starts, please do not let anyone drive with a potentially dangerous braking system

 

[SkippyJasper]

Here's a thought. A common point between brakes and engine is the brake switch. Seems odd that it (switch) would fail at this particular moment, but it might be worth confirming that the brake pedal is fully against its upper stop and attempt the starting.

It sounds like the car recognizes the key which takes a Drive Authorization failure off the table for now.

Skippy

 

[Ducati-Guy]

Problem solved!

Very strange coincidence. But according to the mechanic at the shop where the car is spending some time......at the very moment my son pulled over to check the brake fluid the starter decided it too had lived long enough. What are the odds!!!!!

 

[SkippyJasper]

Long indeed. Glad your son is OK.
Car can be repaired.
Skippy