need help ML430 wont start.......anyone?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vcci · #1 06-25-2004, 09:22 PM

I just bought a 99 ML 430 at the Mercedes auction. The car ran fine when i checked it out at the auction but now that I got it ehre at my shop it won't start. It turns over but wont stay running, it seems like its not getting enough gas. Is there something I should look for? maybe a fuse or relay or maybe even a emergency gas shutoff switch? Any help would be appreciated.

Gilly · #2 06-25-2004, 09:43 PM

If it cranks and cranks and fails to start, then look in the odometer when you start cranking and see if the odometer says "start error" in it, in which case it's probably a bad key (NO I am not kidding). Do you have another key to try???
Fuel pump is a pretty common failure also, it could also be a bad fuel filter, as the regulator is part of the filter assm. Can you hook up to the fuel rail to test pressure. Dumb question; is there gas in the tank???

Gilly

vcci · #3 06-25-2004, 10:09 PM

Funny cuz I tried using a different key and that didnt help either. There is plenty of fuel pressure and it does have gas. I didn't see any start error message. I hope this isn't one of those annoying problems that can't be figured out. What else might it be? Thanks for your help.

vcci · #4 06-25-2004, 10:11 PM

Maybe I wasn't as clear as I should have been. The car turns over and want to stay running but turn off a hlf a second later. Does that tell you anything different or is that considered the same as not starting?

Gilly · #5 06-25-2004, 10:18 PM

So is it actually starting up and running poorly, or only cranking? The truck has this "tipstart" feature where you just engage the key for a second or so, then let go of the key, and it should start itself. With these DAS problems, it will crank for about 20 seconds it seems like, then will give up. So is it only cranking and not even trying, or does it actually start?

So you tried 2 keys, we can remember that. May or may not "prove" anything.

Above the foglight (aux) switch in the middle of the dash is a small LED. Take the key and try starting it, but watch that LED. If the DAS is authorized you will a very short blink (talking less than half a second) of that small LED. That way you pretty much know the problem isn't in DAS (driver authorization system). One word of advice is DON'T mess with the batteries in the keys, the batteries are NOT used for driver authorization.

Any idea on the history of the truck at all? Spark plugs? Usual problems on these for no-start is usually a bad key or other DAS problem, or a fuel pump or filter.

Gilly

Gilly · #6 06-25-2004, 10:33 PM

Just a few things (I saw your other post).
Started or not.......hmmmmm, can be an individual type of observation. As I said, you just need to put the key to start for a second or so, then let go of the key and see what happens, it should start itself after that. Tipstart or touchstart or something like that they call it. If the thing goes through the start procedure then dies after the starter kicks out, I'd say it's a no-start. If it goes through the procedure, maybe kind speeds up a little on it's own, then goes back to cranking speed, does that a few times and runs, as you say half a send (as in 500 milliseconds) on it's own, then dies, hmmmm maybe say it TRIES to start but doesn't? may be one of those things I'd have to experience. USUALLY if it's a DAS problem it just cranks for the allowed time and doesn't TRY at all, so leaning towards something basic, like spark, or bad fuel, or the pressure you say is fine really isn't, so the pump or filter.......
Hope this helps, time for bed here in the midwest pretty soon....

Gilly

vcci · #7 06-26-2004, 01:43 AM

Gilly,
Thank you so much for helping, I will get back to this Monday. It certaily doesn't stay running for 20 seconds, it's more like it competes the cranking procedure but can't stay running. I don't have history on the car but those things will be checked out before I dig any deeper. Either way I will continue with this next week. Once again thank you very much. I will post results when I figure it out.

vcci · #8 06-28-2004, 02:11 PM

Gilly,
Just wanted to let you know that I got it running and it was the key afterall. Last week i used a different key and it didn't help so I thought that the problem was something else but today I used a 3rd key and it started right up. Now when I start the car it smokes really bad for the first 30 seconds or so do you an idea what that could be? I'm not too worried about it as it is a starmark certified car and has warranty til 08-05 so the dealer will fix it i'm just curious to know what can cause that. Thanks for the help Gilly hopefully I can be of help to you in the future.
Asi

Gilly · #9 06-28-2004, 04:30 PM

Seems like the ML320 is the one with the oil consumption problems, but maybe the ML430 cana lso have the problem? I'd monitor oil consumption carefully. If this is the problem you may be able to get a block with fitted pistons for free!!! Unless that only applies to original owners.........NO if you have Starmark you should be golden. See if it always smokes on cold startup. You running Mobil1, or no idea what's in there???
Haven't heard alot of smoky-startup complaints on the Modular engines though, even the ones with high oil consumption.

Gilly

Gilly · #10 06-28-2004, 04:33 PM

OH one other thing, on these first few years of the ML, you can only get a total of 8 (EIGHT) keys, so you may want to ask a dealer to try to ID what key numbers you have, if possible. You get to 8, then if you NEED more keys it gets VERY expensive (as in new engine control module, AAM, etc) and I am NOT kidding.

Gilly

vcci · #11 06-28-2004, 04:39 PM

Gilly I have no idea whats in the engine with regards to oil. My best bet is to take it to the dealer since it's under warranty. But yeah the car only smokes on start up for 30 seconds and doesn't smoke after that. Once again thank you so much for your help.
Asi

Gilly · #12 06-28-2004, 04:44 PM

Here's a thread you should read in regards to the keys:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=68478&highlight=keys

Gilly

texasdanml430 · #13 12-05-2009, 06:33 PM

re-opening this thread

2000 ml 430. started running really bad, then just died.

cranks vigorously, barely ran, then died. now, will not even barely
run. only cranks.

have 50 psi on the fuel rail. put in new CPS.

get a single short blink from red led above fog light switch.

no 'start error' messages.

113,000 mostly trouble free miles. replace fuel pump and filter
at around 50,000 miles.

confirmed 'fire' on plug wire with timing light while cranking.

battery almost brand new.

whats next, compression test? to see if timing chain busted?

HELP!! my dealer is a crook....

dan