HOW TO START a W211 E320 CDI No crank no start ESP malfunction

I’ve had an intermittent starting issue that happens when the car shows an ESP message. If you're stuck this should help you get home. I first thought the SBC pump was malfunctioning disabling the car and keeping it from starting. I don’t think it’s supposed to work that way so I think the ECU is bad.

[@Harrisonco]

ECU was replaced with a new unit and it seems to be working fine.

[@a.s.2936]

Harrison Co === it doesn't works, only fan running ...

[@Michael-vl4of]

I have the same problem can rebuilding the ecu fix it?

[@ernestspencer7168]

Ino I'm not for me

[@barryjamestowlejr8393]

Where did you send the ecu to?

[@bb11b]

Who did the ECU programming? I have the same issue with mine and can not find anyone capable around here. TIA!

[@theriverthatflows98]

Had the same issue - no crank, no start, just had the "ABS is inoperative" alongside the ESP malfunction. Strangely, the car didn't want to link with an OBD scanner so I checked the fuse box in the engine compartment, to my surprise, a relay called "Terminal 87 relay, engine" (you can find where it is on every W211 fuxe box diagram, usually marked with letter I) had some dust on it's contacts. Cleaned it and the car started as brand new. I may replace it in the future but I hope this helps anyone saving up some money instead of buying a brand new ECU and seeing that the problem was a simple relay.

[@muhammadmirza656]

Thank you so much I have the same model and trying to fix by myself. This video is very useful for me. Thank you again. Today is April 21th,2024

[@user-vl3ml4dn4d]

Was your wire brown or yellow

[@AlejandroGarcia-nb6vr]

Thanks for the video it help me start my E320 great job sir.

[@infinitum5425]

I'm having a very similar issue - this video was quick & to the point - unlike other video's that assume you have a multiude of meters & garage space & computersied code checking shite!!

[@JB-hd8yf]

Thank you for the video. Worked on mine.

[@chistyclick8029]

Very good information. i will try it on my s430

[@martynm.449]

I too am currently having this issue. What I noticed, on my 2009 E350 CDI. Is that the windscreen drain holes were clogged when I bought the car. Water would pool in the recess, where the wiper arm is located. I'm wondering if in the past, water has overspilled into the electronics somewhere and damaged something? Certainly something people need to be aware of. Anyway... thanks for the video. It certainly has helped me to identify something to investigate. And I've already looked, yes, my glovebox light works. Update: My headlight function switch in the dashboard MIGHT be the fault. Ive had problems with the lights switching themselves on and off randomly while the car is switched off and locked. Anyway... back to the starting issue; With the ignition on, I toggled the headlight switch, and miraculously the glow plug light illuminated and then went out, allowing me to start the car! Now the car is starting with no issues, just like you experienced.

[@agoodneighborautorepair2176]

Very nice explanation

[@martinberrio6169]

Excelente video .de lo mejor de youtube🙌😁

[@bennydafarmer865]

I did the jumper as you described. Fan running wild but no start no crank still. I think my ECU is fine, maybe the starter decided to give up.

[@saladking4129]

Replaced fuze #59 (see an image of W211 for box diagram for reference) and it worked, however had to use different fuzes a couple times as I wondered if some fuses I had kept were faulty (20amp is the one). I also managed to open the boot of the car with the mechanical key-ring on the car key. Used another car to run power and it, by some miracle, after previously trying just to jump start from another car for about 2 hours, cranked and started with no issue, drove the car around and turned it off. Tried starting again and it works perfectly fine. My suggestion is to buy a spare fuze box as there are many fuzes and different amp fuzes which is convenient, saves you from buying an entirely new ECU. I should also mention that this got rid of my ABS, SRS and EPU problem coming through to my dashboard.

[@cali_cal]

Bought a hole new SAM?

[@robertjones195]

My car works normal now because of this

[@robertjones195]

Very useful

[@andredya9867]

Thank you! Got stuck at grocery store and couldn’t start Just started with wire

[@Harrisonco]

Glad I could save you a tow!

[@floridaman5125]

I heard the instrument cluster beep and had a flashback panic from my own car issues. I hate that I can’t trust my car now!

[@gaelbrunet1676]

thank you so much👌

[@vanhorne8798]

Thanks! Having this exact problem and couldn't find a workaround till today. I used to just have to let the car decide when it wants to start up again. Even after taking it to the shop and having the problem "fixed" it was still have an ESP Malfunction 'See Workshop'. This is great so I won't be stranded until I can get the car in. I bought a new fuel injection relay to see if this will help my issue - I noticed the cover on it was cracked so it might be damaged. Has your car been just fine since replacing the ECU?

[@Harrisonco]

The car started and drove fine since the new ECU. I put over 50k miles on it. I only just got rid of it a month or so ago. It was still working fine.

[@vanhorne8798]

@@Harrisonco thanks for the response. Well if my fuel injector relay isn’t the fix I’ll keep this in mind.

[@robertfick5345]

Was that the sam module relay you were jumping

[@giorginikolaishvili1583]

Great video, it helped me to start my CDI, who did you use to repair your Ecu ? Trying to find reputable shop, dealership asked 4k for new replacement in Nj. Thanks

[@Harrisonco]

Dang 4K seems high. I used a local independent in my town. Has since retired. But I think it was about 1800. 1200 of it was just for the new ECU. They had to pay the dealer 400 for programming I think. The owner told me he used to get repaired ECUs but reliability was hit and miss so he strongly suggested against getting mine repaired. They had a good relationship with the MB dealer.

[@Republic-Of-Me-Travel]

What a hassle, this happened to my r230 SL after 8 years of perfect running. The for the vid

[@ymahnash1741]

Hi all. This problem is due to one of the fuses, fix it for less than 1usd. Get all fuses checked and you find blown fuse/s. More likely open the glove box and you will see the light is off...

[@johnnycage9914]

My glove box light is out but I replaced the fuse still nothing

[@Flash-bu3ug]

hi i did your trick and thank you about it i have now fuel + glow plug i thought it was a fuse box problem i got no glow plug back then and because of Ur video i confirmed the problem is when i try to start the car it won't start when i turn the key i get no crank

[@cali_cal]

did you fix it?

[@Flash-bu3ug]

@@cali_cal i changed the ECU and the front fuse box and the fuel pressure regulator sometimes it starts and dies and sometimes it doesn't even start. until I changed the crankshaft sensor, and it now works perfectly fine. -- the main problem was the ECU after water got on to it and the front fuse box - wouldn't allow the fuel pump to turn on and no glow plug and the crankshaft sensor

[@tjbelliv1236]

What relay did you jump? was that the starter relay? I have a 2005 e500.. so my relays might / are different right?

[@garagenextdoor807]

TJ Bell IV from the looks of it it could of been the starter relay, im having the same issue with my s500 atm too...

[@mellyapolis8250]

@@garagenextdoor807 did you ever find out what it was

[@robertrobbins5618]

I have a 2003 CL500 can I jumpstart my car the same way because I'm having starting issues

[@khalidzahiq3374]

hello friend i have the problem of my 270ml cdi 2004 cranking about 2 seconds and it stops without starting 5 to 7 times without starting i have changed the starter motor and changed the ignition antenna i have checked all the fuse boxes i have found All are going well I have changed the battery and without news but when I connect it with cables with another car working it starts directly. now I do not have to think about any reley that is main! do you know if he has any ??? please help ...

[@jackgum5513]

Pontiac G5 2007 having the same issues not wanting to crank will start even tried jumping starter relay I just cranks and cranks and cranks but it won’t fire can I get ideas

[@Trupininis]

If SBC block malfuncion, you would have visit brake shop, red lights, stop and etc. I have this problem. No brakes, nothing. To change gear possition, you have to pull out plastic trim ,which is around gear lever. there is small thing you have to push down.

[@Harrisonco]

When the mechanic replaced the ECU there were no more start issues and no actual problem with the SBC on my car at the time. If it shows the red warning your pump, pressure reservoir or harness connection might be bad. Way later I got the red warning and the dealer replaced my reservoir under warranty.

[@angelhrubio2104]

I’m having the same issue with my 07 e350 What company did you use to reprogram your ECM?

[@Harrisonco]

The shop I used just had the dealership do it.

[@sulgamming5744]

Having the same problem on my 03 c230 kompressor no crank no start but when I turn the key the fan turns on high, any suggestions???

[@hnguye22]

My car showed a glow plug light. It's not cranked over. Please help. Did the fuse in the fuel pump relay go bad?

[@frankjacob7426]

Mine just started this same fault on a c240 2005 MODEL, How do I jump start. Engine no crank currently.

[@JB-hd8yf]

Curious, what if you rigged it to keep the jumper in all the time on the relay or keep the brown and yellow wire grounded all the time

[@Harrisonco]

On mine it would keep certain things on even with the key out. Like the fan would run if the car was warm even with the car off.

[@Truth2ber]

@@HarrisoncoIsn’t that normal? For the fan to run until it cools?

[@skunkwerksadv12]

Did ECM repair fix this?

[@Harrisonco]

ECU was diagnosed as functional. So I don’t know what is wrong. I will continue trouble shooting once I get my ECU back. SIA electronics knew to look for the ground issue Mercedes tend to have but told me that part was fine.

[@josh666675]

Harrison Co have you replaced the starter relay. I got a click on mine haven’t replaced the starter relay but will keep you updated today. I guess everything is reading out to that

[@josh666675]

Harrison Co I did have a visit work shop code

[@Harrisonco]

@@josh666675 before i sent the ECU out my mechanic tried switching the relays out while he was diagnosing the car.

[@muratgozlukaya1708]

Hello thanks for video.i have e 270 2002 and gave same problem exac.did you found it what is problem? Of you let me know i be glad.thanks

[@renatolopes1775]

I have the same problem on a W203 Cdi, sometimes it's ok for months and sometimes it won't start. If you touch (knock the relays) the front SAM and cause a glitch somehere the car make whistle and is ok to start. front SAM and relays replaced did not solve. The problem has to be with the ECU. I think it's a dry electrolytic capacitor on the ECU.

[@buchki6622]

So it was ecu problem or something different ?

[@patrickdunn7263]

Today is 01/15/23, as of this date was your replacing the ECU with a new ECU the ultimate solution? I have been dealing with this since June 2022. I've spent $2300 and so far, no remedy. I need this fixed.

[@Harrisonco]

Yes. After the new ECU no issues. Ended up selling the car late 2022 but no issues came up with the computer.

[@mikewessel]

I am having the same issue. I put the jumper in on relay "I" and was able to drive the car home. From the testing that I have done I have 12v feeding the relay with ignition on, but it appears that the ground side of the relay is not making it to chassis ground. Have you made any further progress? I don't want to pull the SAM apart, I may just run a ground to the relay to get it up and running without the jumper.

[@Harrisonco]

I haven't had a chance to play with it for a while. My plan is to inspect the CAN (controller area network) bus under the carpet on the drivers side by the door sill. Apparently its a wiring junction for a bunch of different modules.

[@mikewessel]

Harrison Co from what I can tell my problem is in the Front SAM. I can tap on the relay with the key in position 2 and the relay activates. I have 2 of these cars and I pulled the relay from my second car and see the same problem. Second car is operating good. The battery is a little low right now from a lot of testing, so I will see if the problem follows a fully charged battery.

[@amrishkumarpudaruth695]

@@mikewessel did the change of the relay work?

[@mikewessel]

Amrish Pudaruth No. It actually worse. I am able to tap on the original relay with the key in position 2 and the relay will activate. I do have code terminal 61 fault. Looks like a charging issue. I put the battery on charge and the relay started functioning. The air temperature was warmer maybe a coincidence.

[@jeanpierrebouvard2699]

@@mikewessel hello g le meme probleme pontage relais 87 /30 voyant prechauffage allumer voiture demarre mais ventilateur refroidissement en route a l arret donc voyant moteur allumer que faire merci de me dire svp au [e-mail]

[@pandamorecastile8598]

Is the brown and yellow wire the same for my 2010 Mercedes Benz C300 and what relay is it that u connect the jumper to ? (Starter relay) ?

[@pandamorecastile8598]

What relay is it

[@benrayanadali7366]

Thank you really you helped me

[@Harrisonco]

Glad it helped. Got me home a few times before I could have it fixed

[@antoniogervasio1]

My Mercedes ML 350 2006 was going all crazy, no start, no cranck, no change gear, i measure CAN bus and it was in 5.56 V big short 60 ohms, i check head ligths, ECU and nothing strange, until It got tow away and then when it was in an 45 angle it started to throw water from behind the driver seat, some module was floaded and when it was towed in a plataform tow the water was all drained.

[@ernestspencer7168]

What if we change the wrong fuse and exchange it for another fuse to put into another fuse place and that caused created the problem or I was positioning trying to module the driving habits on the transmission that's when it all happened I was come I was compromising what they were seeing on the video and that's what happened and then it wouldn't start after that ESP light came on after that

[@gregellis-rn1zz]

I have similar problem 07 ML320 cdi. Cranks but no start. No power going to CPS. Fuel pump running, fuel pressure builds 800psi + on cranking but can’t hear injectors opening. Dash lights up fine including glow plug light. Approx. 1 out 12 times, it will start and run correctly . ECU or front SAM or ?

[@cali_cal]

did you fix it?

[@yungpain9464]

Did this really work for y’all cause I have a 2004 Mercedes Benz c230 and it just started doing this so I thought it was the starter itself

[@davidlanca5731]

Have you looked at the cgw central gateway...its in the upper panel on driver side under dash......I would look and see if its corroded

[@Harrisonco]

David Lanca I did. I took it out and saw some corrosion where the wire plugs in. And a small section on the circuit board. I bought a used one and had Karman auto clone my old cgu to the new one. Didn’t seem to make a difference but now my service interval won’t display.

[@davidlanca5731]

@@Harrisonco Hmm...I'm not gonna try and remotely diagnose this over the net....Give me xentry with a short test readout and star tekinfo and it's probably simple....

[@Harrisonco]

David Lanca yep I might look for a clone soon

[@davidlanca5731]

@@Harrisonco a clone of.what? Another central gateway?

[@davidlanca5731]

You're.better off.getting a.new.central gateway and have it coded at the dealer....but like I said its.a.guess...without proper.diagnosis

[@jempoof]

Check the fusebox by the side of the dash. Remove it and check it is not corroded. One of the small 7.5 fuses runs the COMs and goes intermittent.

[@jacobdzik6238]

❤

[@ceciliamendez8225]

Can you do it with a 2004 slk230 kompressor with a start error on dash? Thanks

[@Harrisonco]

I don’t know. While the parts look the same the boards can be wired differently with different models

[@o.b.aoyinloye2591]

Egr or egs?

[@grasserhopperchannel5146]

ESP and AB’s light on Mercedes S550 2008 cannot get it back into Park gear what do you suggest?

[@edgravely1947]

Did you fix the situation?Cause my sl500 did the same thing..

[@ernestspencer7168]

Every single time that happened to me will it happen only just that one day but every single time I got a jump start and it started thank goodness but after that trying to acknowledge the transmission reset messed me all up

[@Harrisonco]

Hmm I never had an issue with the transmission. Is yours the e320 cdi diesel?

[@rugnao1]

Where do i get those wires

[@ernestspencer7168]

You know I've never had the problem either until I was messing with the fuse boxes today on my 99 Mercedes so please explain to p

[@ernestspencer7168]

Sorry got a little excited cause was running fine ,till I wanted to change shift pattern from the co- driver. That when it happens,or took one fuse and exchange it for another.

[@jeffersonbagain8358]

what if i have the 2000 e320 where can i find the relay

[@Harrisonco]

im not sure. I think that is the w210 chassis. Mine is the w211

[@pfoxhound]

Had this problem, connected star, during diagnostic I started it, it was fine after.

[@Harrisonco]

Temperamental ECUs. I’d say you’re about to have more start issues later on

[@pfoxhound]

@@Harrisonco that was 1 month before. Now abs problem. Maybe ECU needs soldering. I'll see what is going on, but after 1 time message, I had this problem couple times and it was on warm days.

[@SpicyRok7482]

Are you aware of the 2018 M-B SBC extension program for 2003 - 2006 mostly E-Class cars for 25yrs/UNlimited miles veritable list of most ALL SBC components?

[@Harrisonco]

Yep I got a new pressure reservoir for free. The warnings were a malfunction of the ECU. After replacing the ECU my other sbc warnings went away

[@SpicyRok7482]

@@Harrisonco Pressure reservoirs wear out over time. Basically its a ball w/a diaphragm dividing the 2 halves w/hyd. fluid on 1 side & HIGH Pressure nitrogen gas on the other side. Its a method of storing hydraulic ( brake fluid ) pressure until "suddenly"/momentarily needed.

[@salnjikov]

Hello. I cant start engine. he shows Reduced braking power.Start engine and battery warning. I tried to connect new battery . Still cant start engine.

[@davidhayes2395]

Ok Guys , Had the same problem on a 06, E 320 CDI, Full dash Illumination, Glove box light on, No crank no start, Tried all the relays, and starter fuses, All good , went through every fuse until I found Fuse 54B , 54b Illuminated cigar lighter, It was blown, 15 Amp. Fixed the problem, Not sure what else this controls, Thanks, Mercedes. I never thought it would be a fuse because it failed to start one day when I was in a parking lot, so it just keep switching the ignition and evenly it started, brought it home and shut it off and no start, really does not make sense if the fuse was blown it should never have restarted in the parking lot. Good Luck.

[@HustleTownUSA69th]

Wow bro. That's crazy

[@Truth2ber]

This is why Germany loses wars in spite of their engineering prowess. Simple is better. Jesus returns on a horse.

[@bennydafarmer865]

Thanks for sharing. Gonna check my 54B now.

[@bennydafarmer865]

No that’s not it for me.

[@massimilianomazzoli808]

to me after esp and abs alarm does not start anymore ?, your system does not work! by bridging the relay the fan turns strongly but the starter motor does not turn

[@mellyapolis8250]

i have the same problem

[@chelsearko123]

Hello I have the same problem but with just a message that the Convenience functions are unavailable. I will check all of the fuses tomorrow

[@Harrisonco]

Your battery charge is probably low. Completely different issue. Could be an old battery. Could be a weak alternator. Depending on the model of the car you could have two batteries

[@chelsearko123]

@@Harrisonco checked the voltage with a multimeter seems to be ok. Mine is a E280 CDI - 2005. I will use my jumppack if necessary tomorrow

[@papa_hovo]

I have the same problem.. technically there's a small CPU (MPC562MZP56) inside the ECM that overheats to get it to start again just cool it down I put mine in the freezer all it needs to do is cool down and it will work normal .when the car is on it won't automatically turn off ..but soon as you turn off the ignition you have to cool it down to get it to start, I own a 2006 CDI same issue ..today I opened up the ECM and put a thermal pad from a M.2 SSD. folded in half so I contacts the metal cover and closed it up let see how it works... Next step is attaching a CPU liquid cooler ..cloosd loop system

[@tommyyen3243]

Did this fix your car? If so, can you provide detailed instructions on how this was completed? Thank you

[@papa_hovo]

@@tommyyen3243 no unfortunately I didn't go on the route of replacing the CPU I was really unsure if it was going to work but I did find a replacement ECU different part numbers but the local guy where I work is pretty much an expert with Mercedes and he used his Mercedes scan tool to wipe the ECU and program it to my car now I have a new ECU and the problem does not persist any longer

[@mellyapolis8250]

@@papa_hovo you should get him to make a video

[@papa_hovo]

@@mellyapolis8250 he turns out the easiest fix would be just get a new ECU program to your car that's what I ended up doing only cost me $150 plus the ECU

[@jampackt45]

What part number did you end up using? @@papa_hovo

[@e_mautrey463]

What year is this?

[@Harrisonco]

2005

[@rushymoto]

What is this relay called by function? I would like to do this on a right hand drive car

[@mariamiejibashvili7005]

my car has this problem exactly, what was your car problem,or how can help? please tell

[@123ale69ia456]

Mine too!! I’ve replaced the fuel pump the fuel sender Checked all Relays all fuses I think bad ground but where?! Today I’ll be replacing the voltage regulator that attaches to the back of the alternator Did you have any luck getting yours to start?

[@mellyapolis8250]

@@123ale69ia456 did you ever find out'

[@kayleenmiranda6264]

Hey what is that jumper fuse called and where can I get one anybody?

[@Harrisonco]

I just made it with a scrap of wiring and two connector blades

[@e_mautrey463]

Will this work for a 2000 e320

[@Harrisonco]

Most likely specific to the year and engine

[@frankvalen2147]

Mine didn't start

[@jaxnaturals]

Also, try and disconnect the ecu plug that that wire is connected to and then plug it back in. These Mercedes model year are junk. We had a 05 S600 v12 bi turbo and randomly the trans would shift into neutral and strand you. But if you went to the trans ecu, disconnected all of the connectors and plug them back in, it would work just fine. German's are too smart for their own good.

[@xpologyz]

What kind of jumper is this

[@Harrisonco]

Just a piece of wire with the connector blades that fit in the slots

[@wealzhaa]

My car is E200 2003 andI have the same issue here, could be the problem from starter? And knowing that, i have no error messages about ESP and SRS.

[@mellyapolis8250]

what was it

[@user-ou9on9ho4o]

Понятно, и тоже сегодня у меня Мерседес..W211 датчик ESP в сто он говорил ЭБУ отлично на разъём внутри плохо надо поменять к найду б/у

[@jasonhitch660]

Re program the ECU? Who will do it? How much? My 2002 c320 wagon has same problem. Mercedes are just overpriced junk.

[@odilihezekiah7044]

My is not working

[@talhaasmal5652]

Just change the starter relay!!

[@amrishkumarpudaruth695]

Talha Asmal did it solve the problem

[@Harrisonco]

My mechanic tried switching relays out

[@amrishkumarpudaruth695]

@@Harrisonco after having switch the relays is it working fine now.

[@Harrisonco]

@@amrishkumarpudaruth695 no. It wasn't the relay

[@a.s.2936]

Harrison Co === it doesn't works, only fan running ...

[@Harrisonco]

Is it the same car? If its a different engine its probably not the same wiring. There are also plenty of other things that can go wrong.

[@a.s.2936]

@@Harrisonco Yes , exactly sane W211 320 CDI 2005g

[@bernardhuther6428]

Les américain ne savent pas expliquer une réparation sur une Mercedes et ils ont aucune finesse ni de finition ils raconte un tas de choses pour diriger le client qui écoute en erreur ils sont faux cu et la langue Englisch n est pas génial pour comprendre une explication d un mécanicien en travaux et la c'est pareil ont comprend rien et ils termine l explication avant d avoir fini c'est mon avis en temps que français et sur le rest ils parlent tellement comme si c'était les king et il ont eux même rien compris les explication sont très mal expliquer et les pays de l est russes ou autres ils bricole n importe quoi sur la Mercedes SLK kompressor et ont ne comprend absolument rien du tout voilà mon avis veuillez changer c'est explication afin de savoir donner de l aide a un client

[@SpicyRok7482]

So overly-complicated even M-B can't figure them out. What good is a fancy car if you canNOT get it to start up? Stay AWAY! Stay VERY FAR AWAY!

[@myredute]

Jeez, is that what a CDI W211 sounds like. Never owned a diesel, never will. The smooth sound of the E320 W211 V6 is music to my ears. Good video though & I would have left the first jumper in place.............................just saying!

[@bennydafarmer865]

Try electric, no more noise for you much better.

[@massimilianomazzoli808]

to me after esp and abs alarm does not start anymore ?, your system does not work! by bridging the relay the fan turns strongly but the starter motor does not turn

[@muratgozlukaya1708]

Hello did you find what iş problem?

[@danielaberrio4291]

Buen briko ,a mi tampoco me funciono . Pero lo arregle con el rele N que es el de color gris .le puentee con negativo ala patilla y arranco.