Stranded. instrument cluster issue in 2007 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

funola · #1 05-23-2007, 11:34 AM

I am away from home with limited tools and no wiring diagram. I do have a DVM. I thought it was the battery, but charging it overnight and also trying another known good battery didn't help with the no crank. It's an 83 300D turbo. All fuses look good and have voltage on them per DVM. All electrical accesories seem to work but I am not getting voltage to the glow plugs and the starter motor will not engage. I do not hear the starter solenoid clicking either when trying to start.

Questions:

1. Is there a start relay and where is it located?

2. How is the glow plug relay powered? Is it through the key switch or through another relay?

3. Can I jump the starter solenoid without crawling under the car? (do not have work clothes with me)

This is my first Benz and I am still getting to know where things are. Any help appreciated.

MattBelliveau · #2 05-23-2007, 11:39 AM

Is it making ANY noise when the key is turned (clicking, etc.)? As far as I know, the starter can only be accessed from below the car (someone please corect me if I am wrong). How DIY are you? You first need to get to the wiring on the actual starter with the multimeter, and make sure that you are getting voltage on the high voltage side (with the key turned to start, of course). Try that and report back. By the way, question #2 is probably irrelivant, for you're not even cranking. If it was cranking, just not starting, THEN I would worry about the pre-glow system.

rrgrassi · #3 05-23-2007, 11:42 AM

Check the 80 amp strip fuse for the GP circuit relay. It on the driver side fender, in a black box, just before the head light assembly. The starter solenoid is under the car. However you can try tapping the starter with a hammer, or try jumping the solenoid by bridging two wires, (Do not know which, as I have not done this) on the passenger side wheel well, in a small black box just before the battery.

Also, did you move the gear selector from Park to Neutral, and back to make sure the nuetral safety switch is making contact?

TX76513 · #4 05-23-2007, 11:43 AM

Start with some basics
1. Are your battery connectors tight and clean
2. Neutral Safety Switch - try moving out of P and back
3. Follow + cable from battery to starter make sure it's not loose
4. Look at ground (-) make sure it's tight

vstech · #5 05-23-2007, 11:51 AM

look for a 1" x 3" box on the passenger's fender with wires in it. open the little flap, and you will see some red wires and some white wires.
short two adjacent wires with car keys or a pair of screwdrivers, or a pair of pliers (I ALWAYS have my Leatherman with me!)
this WILL send power to the starter solenoid, so be SURE you have the car in park/neutral.
the glows only have power going to them, if you put the key in position 2, and you don't go to position 3 first. put the key in position 2, then test for power at the glow plugs.
John

pdxwaker · #6 05-23-2007, 11:52 AM

Check the wiring distibution block on the passender side fender in front of the battery (large wires attached with plastic cover). Make sure all wiring is tight; I believe power is dirtibuted to the starter from this point.

winmutt · #7 05-23-2007, 12:06 PM

You can bump start the car by shorting #1 & #3 at the wire junction box directly infront of the battery. Had a flip top and some splayed connectors. #1 is the thickest wire.

cscmc1 · #8 05-23-2007, 12:51 PM

Where are you stranded, BTW?

#9 05-23-2007, 01:20 PM

Stupid question

Has the car got an immobiliser??

funola · #10 05-23-2007, 01:44 PM

I jacked up drivers front with the OEM jack and found a loose ground strap bolt on the engine to transmission bell housing. It was waaay loose. I tightened it as best I can and it cranked right over.

I am back on the road. Thanks for the help.

funola · #11 05-23-2007, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamamanc

Stupid question

Has the car got an immobiliser??

NO

funola · #12 05-23-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

You can bump start the car by shorting #1 & #3 at the wire junction box directly infront of the battery. Had a flip top and some splayed connectors. #1 is the thickest wire.

Thanks, this is a good tip to know.

airbus · #13 05-23-2007, 01:51 PM

Where are you? Are you on Long Island?

funola · #14 05-23-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbus

Where are you? Are you on Long Island?

No, but not far from LI in Queens. I'm back on the road now thanks. My problems started after I did a few 0-60 timed runs. See this thread for more info:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=189016

I suppose the extra stress from the timed runs loosened an already loose ground strap bolt on the bell housing to cause a no start and the weird electrical problems I was experiencing.

rbardolv · #15 05-23-2007, 02:22 PM

well at aleast I learned a few things to look for and try , if ever... .

cheers!