Newbie with diesel starting problems - Starter Turns Engine, but it will not Start - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TopMarquesValet · #1 12-20-2006, 08:56 AM

Hello all, newbie here looking for some urgent help.

I have recently (Saturday) bought myself a Black 2003 Mercedes Vito 112 CDi.
The last few mornings it has struggled to start but has got there eventually.
This morning it wouldnt start for love nor money and the battery ended up going flat on me

It seems to be turning over fine but it just does not want to fire up.

It has been fine any other time during the day and starts 1st time, but the 1st time everyday is a struggle.

When I collected the van from the previous owner, I was told that when I start the van I need to wait for the clock to go out rather then just the yellow coil light, but only when its cold starting.
However on my old Ford Transit Connect I only had to wait for the yellow coil light to go out before starting.

Would this make my problem Glow Plug related?

Also, as I had drained my battery flat this morning I wanted to try to jump start it off of the other halfs car. How the heck do I go about gaining access to the battery?

Thanks in advance for your help.

TheDon · #2 12-20-2006, 09:03 AM

its probably a glow plug problem... and i have never seen this model you speak of my friend

vstech · #3 12-20-2006, 01:03 PM

usually on cars with hidden batteries, there is Jump start terminal posts under the hood. look for a red plastic cover with a + on it. there should be a large copper bolt in there. otherwise, you're gonna have to trace the large wire from the starter to the battery. it's gotta be there somewhere.
good luck starting a diesel with a jump from another car, when there is a dead battery in the circuit.
best bet is to recharge the battery.
John

Parrot of Doom · #4 12-20-2006, 05:35 PM

Check for fuel leaks around the injector pump. Do not attempt to jump start it unless you have the MB jump leads as ECU damage can result. Disconnect the battery before starting.

Any error messages on reconnection, try turning the wheel full lock a couple of times.

Bama1 · #5 12-20-2006, 08:52 PM

"Discovered" many of these Vans in Lisbon, Barcelona, and the Azores and they are everywhere in Italy.

I had the pleasure of cruising a new one with a private driver and a guide in Rome and they took us from the Port to the Pope's place in about 1 hr 15 min at about 115 KPH.

The model we used was Smooth as silk 5speed, lots of power, nimble handling, and very quiet with plenty of room for up to eight passengers plus package stowage. Verrryy nice but not too fancy

They'll capture the Navigator, Expedition, or (insert any SUV here) market in no time once you have experienced their performance.

My favorite discovery was the 170CDI... about the size of a Mini or the Smart ForFour...Really popular all over Portugal. Very quiet and zippy little flivers...

Bama1 · #6 12-20-2006, 10:08 PM

Best I can determine is they are also assembled in Spain and in South Africa...read about it at the following URL...Also there are many different variants for seperate markets/locations.

http://www.cartoday.com/content/news/singlepage.asp?in=4173

TMAllison · #7 12-20-2006, 10:49 PM

You dont say the engine stumbles or runs rough for a few minutes after it is started. If indeed that is true, I would lean toward a fuel/air leak rather than a glow plug problem.

I dont know which motor you have and the CDI injection pumps are very different, but as Parrot said, take a look at the top of the pump for fuel leaks and also any plastic fuel lines leading to or from the fuel filter and IP. Most of the above on the CDI are sealed with an o-ring which if dried out and leaking can allow air to enter the fuel system. The IP then has to evacuate that air by manually cranking the engine before it can start.

You could try parking nose downhill (even putting the rear tires up on a 5cm x 10cm board will help) and see if that helps in the morning.

Bama1 · #8 12-21-2006, 02:07 AM

The Vito is powered by a 2,2-litre four-valves-per-cylinder common rail diesel engine fitted with an intercooled turbocharger. The torquey engine, dubbed OM611, delivers a maximum output of 90 kW and 300 N.m of torque. Top speed is limited to 125 km/h.