Trouble starting - but it does start (E420) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tivoliman · #1 07-13-2008, 01:19 PM

The E420 - 1995 185,500 miles
Has had the brake light switch, wiring harness and the ETA replaced ; parts new from the from dealer. Wiring Harness was in dire shape.

I've done the work so far, based on information from this forum. Thank you much.

Trouble starting the car - but it does eventually start, and runs well after starting.

Now - when I try to start it, the lights on the dashboard blink, it sounds like something is having trouble starting - electronic (switches clicking or such), then the starter will eventually start - and the engine will turn without starting. Some times, after starting, the ASR light is on. The Check Engine light does not come on, as it did before the parts replaced. Yes, the starter does not start turning immediately, something "stopping it".

Then eventually it starts.

When the car is running - it runs very well. Some mild surging occasionally at a traffic light, but when car nice and warm - all is fine, including the acceleration.

It's the getting it started that's the challenge.

I do not know how to clear the codes, have not made the Home Brew DTC Tool; suspected the 1995 was digital.

I currently have the battery disconnected, and will do the 90 in start position to "relearn" the throttle settings.

Comment: I took many pictures, and wanted to post all that I did for other's benefits - then I goofed with the camera - all pictures lost.

tivoliman · #2 07-13-2008, 01:25 PM

Just found the distributor caps need replaced. That may be part.

But the lights on the dash blinking and the starter not turning has me baffled.

Thanks

deanyel · #3 07-13-2008, 04:08 PM

You can read blink codes on your car on the 38 pin connector in the black box where the battery would normally be, and that would be a good next step, or after you replace the caps/rotors.

tivoliman · #4 07-13-2008, 07:31 PM

I ask questions cause I didn't see the answer - kept looking while some one get back and poof, I solve the question.

I disconnected the battery for several hours, reconnected, the turned the key to ignition, but didn't go all the way (as in didn't turn the starter), left it there for 2 minutes, let the throttle "re-learn".

And now all works well.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I cleaned the distributor cap with alcohol - but will be buying the caps and rotors from FastLane next month - currently broke.

Thanks all.

And thanks for the suggestion of reading the codes from the 38 pin plug.

Arthur Dalton · #5 07-13-2008, 09:39 PM

You have a low voltage condition...charge the battery overnight.

tivoliman · #6 07-25-2008, 08:16 PM

Yes, I agreed with those that suggested I had a low voltage situation - and yes I checked the battery several times at AutoZone (didn't trust the associate that helped the first time.)

But some one (may have been M.B.Doc) suggested I check the distributor caps. They were green and well worn. I ordered new ones from FastLane this week - got them today, and installed this evening.

All is better - had nothing to do with low voltage - and the car sputtered - I have no clue why the Distributor Cap and Rotors made such a difference.

The car runs great. Seems I am once again "Happy with Mercedes."
BTW - the E420 is a nice ride

Arthur Dalton · #7 07-25-2008, 08:43 PM

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It is well that you have replaced the dist caps and the car is runnng fine, but do be aware that the blinking dash lamps and no starter activation complaint you posted have nothing to do the Dist caps and the Ignition system.
You may want to watch for a re-occuring low voltage condition, b/c you had one, regardless of also having some bad dist caps. It is possible the low voltage came from long duration cranking /no start caused by faulty caps, but that is still a low voltage condition..and why a recharge was recommended.

tivoliman · #8 07-29-2008, 08:42 PM

Low voltage condition

Is that just the bad battery - or are there other conditions

Wonder if the alternator is charging it enough - I still get the blinking lights occasionally.

Hmmm - Perhaps if the alternator is not charging "fast enough", then a restart may have a low voltage condition

Your thoughts please

Arthur Dalton · #9 07-29-2008, 08:52 PM

I would check the Voltage Regulator..they wear the brushes out and are very easy to change. Back side of the Alternator..Sevicable/Main. item..

Here is one for the '95..

http://catalog.peachparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleAAA&cookieID=2EI1B4MYE2FF18LZYD&yearid=1995%40%401995&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=S%2D420%2D001%40%40S+420&catid=F%40%40Engine+Electrical&mode=PA&subcatid=F4010@@Voltage+Regulator&source=www.peachparts.com&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop

You will do yourself justice by changing that sig year b/c the changeover from OBD1 to OBD2 came at that time frame and you are going to get conflicting diagnostic info by using those two years ..we do look at that stuff , ya know..

tivoliman · #10 07-31-2008, 07:56 AM

I was thinking alternators and voltage regulators were either good or bad. And that they day they switch over is sudden. Cuz the battery seems to be holding a charge (guessing it's getting recharged).

But maybe not charged enough.

And thanks for the reference to my signature - yes I have corrected it ti the 1995 E420.

Arthur Dalton · #11 07-31-2008, 12:53 PM

The brushs wear down and that takes way from the output of the alt efficiency...do an output test..or, just change the reguiator if you see the brushes are worn down from NORMAL wear..
..........2 screws.

Now that we have the correct model/yr, here is the corect part..

http://catalog.peachparts.com/RenderScriptTemplate.epc?_cmd=epccat_VehicleAAA&cookieID=2FG17RJ3A2FH0ROLMO&yearid=1995%40%401995&makeid=MB%40%40MB%40%40X&modelid=E%2D420%2D001%40%40E+420+Sedan&catid=F%40%40Engine+Electrical&mode=PA&subcatid=F4010@@Voltage+Regulator&source=www.peachparts.com&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop

..or , you can wait til the alternator goes from the bad brushes eating the rotor and replace the whole thing for 5 times as much as the regulator..

tivoliman · #12 09-06-2008, 10:24 AM

The car is running great!!!!

the solution was found incrementally
1 - replaced starter - it reached a point of not turning at all.
Then car would turn over but would not start.

2 - Traced and found the Base Power Module in E-box was replaced. (a board in the black box "were the battery could have been")

All is well - waiting for the next repair

The car did easily pass the New Jersey emissions.

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