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Get your front passenger seat up and check the battery connections, then try jump starting from there. All your warning lights except engine light relate to abs, anti slip regulation and general brake warning. these systems (and engine ecu) will not work without a reliable 12v supply. If you lights dim when trying to start the ignition switch should be ok, if it turns over and wont start it maybe a multitude of things from immoblizer to injectors and a fault code check will be necessary.
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I know nothing about these but given what you've said I would be looking to the ignition switch. You know that its faulty, and it looks likely that you have an electrical problem.
So I would put a decent battery in and fix/replace the ignition switch.
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Thanks Diesel Bob.
The jump starting isn't working. I am trying to find a reputable guy to read the fault codes. Do you know whether I need a Mercedes specialist or would a call out mechanic carry the necessaries to do the job?
Regards, Curtis
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You won't jump start one of these if the battery is dead.As previously suggested get a decent battery fitted (a bit of a mission on these).Get an M/B specialist to take a look.A lot of your problems could be related to low battery situation.hth
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Thanks for that.
I've been in touch with a couple of mobile mechanics who say they can read the fault codes by the side of the road and got some quote for this service. When I have the results of this I will post them so the knowledgeable among you can cast an eye over them for me. Thanks for all the responses.
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Hi,
Whilst professing no mechanical knowledge - talking today to a chap that repairs these on a fleet - he said that the passenger window is prone to failure - apparently a known failure is a plastic cog in the winder mechanism
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Thanks Pugugly.
I have disconected the regulator and jammed it shut with a stick. Not scientific but it will do until I get it running as it should. I just have to remember to fix it before I go through the Dartford Tunnel else I will get some abuse hurled at me. I will look for that cog though thanks.
Edited by petroldrinker on 03/02/2009 at 13:29
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To update my story;
Got a very useful visit from PRAutos, a mobile mechanic very an extremely expensive computer that could read the fault codes. Doesn't look too disasterous. A new battery helped (as previously suggested) and the engine light went off after it had been running for ten minutes. Apparently Vito's are notoriously difficult to jump start. It could't be jumped but started when the new battery was in. The traction control and abs warning light are on because of a sensor at the left rear wheel. I will look for it tomorrow. The alarm was going off because when I was locking the van the passenger side door was refusing to lock ( it is completely jammed, can't even force it) so the alarm would go off because the van was not secure. The battery was being drained in the first place because the near side SLD is hanging a bit low on its runners and so the lights were staying on inside after it was closed.
I will be ordering a regulator for the driver's side window and a lock for the passenger door and start ticking the jobs off one by one. Nothing sounds to horrific so far.
I will also have to change the rear shock absorbers. It is bouncing like mad and will drive me nuts before long. Has anybody done this job before? Any tips or mistakes that you made would be handy.
The van is disappointlingly slow. I had a 1999 Vito before this one and it was excellent on motorways. This one is more or less flat out ar 65mph. Is this normal?
Thanks for all the feedback to date.
If anyone would like a mobile diagnostics man in the S/E London area then Paul (P R Autos) was very reasonable. I emailed him from his website.
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>>>This one is more or less flat out ar 65mph. Is this normal?
No, I don't think it is normal. Most Vitos seem to do about 95mph when they pass me on motorways.
I should get your pal with the computer to investigate. It could be a blocked fuel or air filter.
Good luck, keep us informed of your progress.
Edited by quizman on 07/02/2009 at 11:18
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Engine light came back on last night. The first trip on the motorway since my diagnostics guy came round. As I was joining the light came on. I came straight off and went home. Restarted the engine and the light didn't come on. Alternator maybe?
Starting to think I'd be better off changing this van and buying a Hiace.
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if the light came on get the codes read again as it seems there may be more than 1 problem.....have u changed the abs sensor yet????this will make the light come on..
SQ
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 10/02/2009 at 00:26
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If you have any further problems im local to Bromley and have the official mercedes xentry das computer, we specialise in all types of mercedes repairs and diagnostics and cover all London and surrounding areas.
My details can be found in HJ's Useful websites directory, in the Specialists category. Listed next to "Diesel Injection Specialists"
{Slight edit made}
Edited by Webmaster on 22/02/2009 at 23:39
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