hi guys,

i am trying to diagnos the starting problem that i have with the car. i have a 99 ml430.
basically, if i put the key in and turn to the last postion without cranking the car and wait for 10 seconds
then the car will turn (start). however if i don't wait then the car will not start at the first time. it always
start after the second try.

can anyone kindly help me to ping point my problem? thanks in advance.

-nat

P.S :i had searched the forum and people suggests it can be the "crank angel sensor" or the fuel pump or fuel filter problem.

 

There could be a small fuel leak somewhere. While the ML is parked, the fuel system pressure might "leak down" a bit. The extra few seconds you wait before cranking may allow the fuel pump to re-pressurize the system.

Sorry there's no solution here, but it's something to check. I'd put a fuel pressure gauge on it to check the pressure after it's been parked (say overnight). Hopefully, someone knows the pressure spec and can tell you where the schrader valve is located on your ML.

 

thanks for the feedback, Lugnut.

 

i have ran into this problem alot put a fuel pressure guage on if fuel pressure leaks down and dosent return imediatly when cranking then you have a leak in the fuel system. easy way to check is remove the fuel rail and put a white paper towel under all the fuel injectors this will help to spot a fuel injector leaking. or if you dont want to check the injectors first you can just replace the fuel pump and filter (filter is a must) then see if that fixed your problem. 90 percent of the time its the pump and filter.

 

thanks for the info, vytamenc. i end up bring it to the dealer.
they changed the crank sensor, fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel line.
i provided them the fuel filter and fuel line just to save couple bucks.
the total charge was $1300. it is good now.

next thing, will be the brake but this time i will do it myself.

i hope this info can help others in the future.

cheers,

-nat