[slowbenz0]

Hello guys I'm new to the forum and fairly new to Benz. I bought my 240D about a year and it's been running strong with only one issue. once in a while it would not start for a few hours. the glow plug indicator would light up and I'd wait for it to turn off and try to start it but it would not start. I took it to a shop and they said it was my starter which they replaced for me and I didn't have a problem with it since until tonight. I wanted to go for a cruise and after waiting for the indicator to turn off I tried to start and it won't crank.

anyone face the same kind of issues? could my starter already have gone bad? what are some things I need to check at this point?

thanks,
-SA

 

[gatorblue92]

Try to move the shifter to N and see if it will start.

 

[slowbenz0]

Try to move the shifter to N and see if it will start.

Just did this and it started but at first I tried that and it didn't work, I let it sit for about 30 minutes. What does putting it in N do? I've also been doing some research and came across this : 190D 200D 220D Early 240D Fast Glow Plug Upgrade w / Manual Push Button Control | MercedesSource.com wouldn't this solve my problem? I'm a bit confused on how it really works but seems like its more direct and would eliminate failures to start the car, am I right about that?

 

[MB1316]

If the engine will not turn over at all then the glow plugs will not be the first thing to replace. They help the engine fire up while it is turning over. Check to be sure the battery terminals are tight an not too corroded and clean with a wire battery brush/cleaner if needed. Also the solenoid could be bad. It is either on the starter or located in the engine bay. I'm not sure yet, I have only had my 240d for a month. If you are really desperate to start it you could tap the solenoid located on the starter with a rock or hammer to try and help it. Another way would be to jump the starter by running a jumper cable from the positive terminal of the battery to the large threaded lug where the wire connects to the starter. (take it off right when the engine starts running)

Both of these options could cause damage and could be dangerous so use caution when trying these.
Warning see link below- keep the car in Park or neutral if a manual transmission!

If either of these work then you probably have a bad solenoid or starter. If the solenoid is mounted to the the starter then it should have been replaced when the starter was since the are bought as one unit.

Read this link for more info on the solenoid:http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...eplace-solenoid-without-removing-starter.html

There is a neutral safety switch issue also in the forums.

 

[Rmac58]

These cars have a Neutral Safety Switch, it won't start if the transmission is in anything other than park or neutral.

Being old, those switches get ornery.