280GE Starting Issue
Please Help!!!
I am nearly at the end of refurbishing my 280GE, 1983 W460.
I removed the dash and centre console to try and clean up the electrics, removing old stereo wiring, fixing aftermarket electric Windows etc. Since doing so I cannot get her started. Had the starter motor off, new solenoid fitted and checked....no joy. There is power at the energiser lead.
She does not even turn over, just hear the fuel pump turn. All other electrics seem to be working fine. Fuses all ok.
Is there some sort of over ride that I have upset? Anyone have any ideas?
I'm assuning you've checked for a spark, and one of the fuel injectors to see that you have fuel pressure
Please Help!!!
I am nearly at the end of refurbishing my 280GE, 1983 W460.
I removed the dash and centre console to try and clean up the electrics, removing old stereo wiring, fixing aftermarket electric Windows etc. Since doing so I cannot get her started. Had the starter motor off, new solenoid fitted and checked....no joy. There is power at the energiser lead.
She does not even turn over, just hear the fuel pump turn. All other electrics seem to be working fine. Fuses all ok.
Is there some sort of over ride that I have upset? Anyone have any ideas?
Without knowing your equipment and skill level - this is not easy to answer. You mentioned refurbishment above; may sound dumb but as I don't know, I have to ask - is the battery fully charged up?
When you turn your key in the ignition, asssuming the dash lights (Battery, etc) come on, at the turn of key do thes go dim or does the lights have the same intensity? If the intensity is the same then there is no power going to your starter solenoid.
You have also mentioned that the starter motor was removed and a new solenoid fitted - has a bench test been conducted to see if these do infact work outside of the vehicle?
Have you a multi-meter or power probe?
You could have an issue with ignition switch but all these are possible supulative suggestions which need to be methodically tested and eleinated out.
Whilst you come back with some answers I will try to draft a step by step check list which will require the use of a multi-meter.
I just recalled what happed to me when I picked up my current 230GE. It was driving fine then one evening I parked it and it would not start. Dash lights bright, headlamps also bright. Fuel pump whirring, but no solenoid click or starter motor. So same symptoms. As it was an Automatic, I assumed it was some relay on the box/gearshift preventing the starting. I found said micro-switch by the stem of the gear shift, and played with that. Nothing.
I have to admit I called the AA, as I was running late and needed to shift the Wagen. 30mins later (really), the AA man/person did the same sort of checks I had already done, then moved to the engine bay.
He found that, simply, the braided earth strap to the back of the starter motor was not make sufficient earth with the fixing point at the rear of the engine bay (close to the battery). That was it. Loosened and tighted and a bit of wire brush and hey presto. All working again.
It was a lesson (easily forgotten) that when you go off at a tangent assuming more exotic causes, it can really take you a while to get back to basics. It was literally working fine one minute and 30mins later after standing in a car park, decided no more. A weaker battery may also struggle to overcome a bad earth even more.
Check that braided strap. Loosen, clean and re-attach.
If the lights dim, then you are drawing current from the battery. could be:
1.) battery is faulty and not providing suffivient current
or
2.) starter motor is stuck
Removing the spark-plugs should make it easier to crank and you may learn something.