Symptoms: started and drove fine twice in AM. Sudden death syndrome after sitting 3.5 hrs. No starter action (other than a click somewhere in the center dash area), interior lights do work and there are some instrument cluster indications, but all dies when cranking attempted. Glow plug relay chatters at glow position on switch. Tried jumpering - no change and cable gets warm at source vehicle.

So, my thinking is an untimely short has drained the battery. My half-baked hunches suggest the starter or voltage regulator, although a massive battery short would also explain this. Haven't had time to do any troubleshooting (dark and raining, incessantly in the beautiful PNW) - any suggestions?

Erlend

Sounds like a bad battery to me.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I agree with the dead battery but the source of it could be your alternator. I think most auto shop places (around here anyways) will test them for free.

__________________
1981 230E, 1984 300D.
-
www.ranwhenparked.net

test both alt and battery

__________________
1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Battery. I replaced the battery in my 300 the other day and the old one was shorted and would not even test.

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

If it is the battery that can a bit of a blessing rather than trying to get your self to get by with a weak battery. Diesels need cranking speed to start. In cold weather it does not take much loss of starter speed to make it difficult to fire. A weak battery in a diesel in cold weather is a recipe for not moving. I have been there and have the T-shirt.

Check your connections at the battery, the ground from the engine
to frame and your starter connections.

You could just have a bad ground connection.

I had a problem and it was the battery couple yrs ago. car started and ran
good. shut it off, try to start later on, no go. had a Sears Die Hard, had it
checkout at Sears. was still under warranty so was hopeful. they said
battery was good, I had an alt. not putting out enough.

Had AAA jump it a couple times, finally after bfsk at a restraunt and the
darn thing refused to even click, that was it. AAA guy was driving by and
flagged him down for a jump. boy that doesn`t happen too often, usually
have to wait for an hour.
took it over to the Battery store across the street and replaced with the
correct MB battery. the guy said the alt. not putting out enough.
replaced it with one of their MB batteries and have been good for the
past 2 plus yrs.

My indie said the alt is good no problem.

Damn Sears Die Hard. I have heard of these batteries giving problems
before. this is the second time for me.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Good place to ask this q I guess. When I replaced my battery the other day, I got one that fit and had a higher CCA than what MB calls for, but the battery is not as long as the old one. I wonder if this will create a problem for me down the road?

__________________
1981 300TD
2005 C55
2004 E500
1999 ML430
1992 400E
1998 C43
2001 SL500
1988 300SEL
1986 190E 16V
1991 190E 2.6

You didn't leave the car in drive did you?

__________________
1981 300SD 512k OM603

Good point TB, should also attempt to start in N to confirm the NSS isnt at fault when in P.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

You want a group 49 battery with a gazillion cranking amps, 1000 if it's available.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13