thought i picked a good 1 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bellyboy · #1 03-13-2007, 01:41 PM

was working on the power windows and opened the console yesterday.noticed the battery light would stay on until i gave it a little fuel.

for the last few weeks of ownership it has always started fine. went to start it today and it gave just 1 little click. after a few minutes of jump starting it started (coincidence?) drove over to the auto parts store and they put it on the machine and said the alt. and batt. are fine. got it home shut it down started it a couple of times and then it didnt start.

i searched around a bit. any thoughts? seems to have some electrical issues- tach intermittent, power windows in back work intermittent, and now this.

MattBelliveau · #2 03-13-2007, 01:45 PM

Check/replace battery cables, then start looking at your starting system (starter, wiring to starter from battery, wiring to starter from ignition switch). Also, do a search on "neutral safety switch." One click sounds like the starter to me (actually the solenoid).

MattBelliveau · #3 03-13-2007, 01:46 PM

Actually, did this start happening after you were in the console? Could in fact be the neutral safety switch.

retx · #4 03-13-2007, 01:48 PM

i had the acc servo go bad and was drawing a boatload from the battery. enough to cause it to not start after sitting for only 15 minutes. check to make sure youre battery isnt draining while sitting.

vstech · #5 03-13-2007, 01:49 PM

body to engine ground strap. starter, battery cables. etc.
John

bellyboy · #6 03-13-2007, 01:56 PM

thanks for the quick replies

- yes this started after being in the console. battery cables look old stay away from generics or go for ms. the engine ground strap where might that be? how can i figure out if the batt. is being drained?

can you tell i am a newbie- and i have put the time in searching around on all kinds of topics

MattBelliveau · #7 03-13-2007, 02:04 PM

Buy a multimeter.

You can usually get one cheap from discount tool stores (Harbor Freight, ~$5). With it, you can test your battery, starter, and any related wiring. If your battery cables are original, replace them for peace of mind.

TMAllison · #8 03-13-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retx

i had the acc servo go bad and was drawing a boatload from the battery. enough to cause it to not start after sitting for only 15 minutes. check to make sure youre battery isnt draining while sitting.

I think I may have this same problem on my 85. Compressor fried itself and now is constantly dead. Already pulled plugs at condensor.

Is there a another plug or a fuse that can be pulled?

bellyboy · #9 03-13-2007, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattBelliveau

Buy a multimeter

i am on my way

Tymbrymi · #10 03-13-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellyboy

got it home shut it down started it a couple of times and then it didnt start.

Everyone else is on the right track with what to start debugging, etc. But I did want to mention that if you don't give the alternator time to recharge the battery, repeatedly starting the car will drain it. I don't know how quickly though. FWIW, It takes a couple hundred amps to start the car, and each glow plug draws 10 amps. The alternator is rated to supply 55 amps max (not at idle) so it will take at least a few minutes to recharge it. Probably longer.

G'luck with it!

sailor15015 · #11 03-13-2007, 06:36 PM

Don't forget to check the voltage regulator. My batt light would stay on until I blipped the throttle. The brushes were nearly worn down. Also do check the grounding straps as those exhibit some strange symptoms when they don't make good contact.

pj67coll · #12 03-13-2007, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor15015

Don't forget to check the voltage regulator. My batt light would stay on until I blipped the throttle. The brushes were nearly worn down. Also do check the grounding straps as those exhibit some strange symptoms when they don't make good contact.

I second the comment on the voltage regulator. Also if your car is simlar to mine check the electrical cable that connects to the back of the alternator next to the voltage regulator. Should be three wires connecting at this location and I discovered today that one of the three was severed right at the alternator. You couldnt see it unless you pulled the plug right off and looked closely at it. Been giving me no end of electrical issues recently.

- Peter.

bellyboy · #13 03-13-2007, 08:51 PM

thanks everyone

on my way to get a multi meter i stopped and wire brushed and steal wooled the terminals- by golly so far it is working like a charm

retx · #14 03-14-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

I think I may have this same problem on my 85. Compressor fried itself and now is constantly dead. Already pulled plugs at condensor.

Is there a another plug or a fuse that can be pulled?

well mine was the actual acc servo not the compressor. i pulled every fuse and still had a huge draw. Finally found it as i pulled the harness from the servo.