I am having a problem with starting my 96 E300D. I just installed new glow plugs due to check engine light. Now it won't start. Check engine light is now off however. When I try to start the engine fires but cuts out when released to the run position.
The only problem I found was the insulation on the wires for the coolant temp sensor came off and the 4 wires shorted together. Unfortunately I did not notice this until after trying to start. Took everything apart again and taped up all the wires back to the main harness. Still won't start. It seems like the IFI control module might be damaged/malfunctioning or the sensor is damaged.
Any ideas?
JimF

Did you confirm any of the GPs was defective before replacing them? Your CEL can be caused by many factors. Did you scan the OBDII for codes? Also, just out of curiosity is your fuel tank less than half full?

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

Are the Red/Green lights on the rear view mirror flashing when the key is turned? Alternately or Simultaneously?

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

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

I did find 2 bad GPs. The OBD scan showed bad GPs and I checked the connector on the GP relay with a meter.

OBDII code P0380, bad glow plug(s), 2 were bad and the fuel tank is about 1/4 full

I am not sure. Will check when reassembled. That would indicate the alarm is armed, correct?

Alternating would mean an unauthorized start was attempted; Sim would mean the key fob battery was weak.

Locking and then unlocking the drivers door using the blade key often resolves the former.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

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

Sounds like you might need new fuel lines (the clear ones). Check for air bubbles when you are cranking it. These can rear their ugly head especially with 1/4 of tank or less

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Dennis
2006 E320 CDI Black/Black Leather. Nav, HTD Seats HK stereo 32000 miles.
2000 VW Passat 1.8t 300,000 miles as of Dec 09, 2009 original owner
1997 E300d Silver 300,000 miles As of Jan 05, 2010
3rd owner SOLD

Yes, and you probably moved them a little with all your work which made the seals leak.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

Why would it run when auto starting but then immediately stop when the key springs back to pos 2? The OP doesn't report having to manually crank and crank to get it to fire.......and with air in the lines, once it did catch it ought to run ragged but then begin smooth out as gentle throttle is provided.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

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

I changed all of the fuel lines last year. All are clear witn no air bubbles visible.
The unauthorized start scenario seems the most plausible.
I am re-assembling tomorrow and will advise.

Jim

I put everything back together and used the driver's door key to lock and unlock the car. Started first time. I suspect that when the coolant temp sensor wires shorted (1 pair goes to temp gauge; other pair to the IFI controller) it thought I was trying to hot wire.

Thanks to everyone for your help and sage advice. Perhaps I can be of assistance to one of you one day.

Jim