Mercedes Benz Vaneo wont start

beggsy · Joined: 24 Dec 2008 Posts: 1

Went to start Vaneo but no joy,all instrument lights working OK,checked all fuses and battery OK, when the ignition key is turned the solenoid does not try to engage, disconnected battery thinking it could be something to do with the security system disabling the the power to start but this did not work either. Have tried turning the ignition with the lights on but the lights did not dim, this indicates that the power is not even getting to the solenoid, is their a cut out on this model ? It,s a 53 reg manual 1596 cc. HELP!!!

DONFRAMAC · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 127

From reading the SEATCupra.net website, I found out that a lot of starting problems are simple: --- major one is flexing of starter solenoid low power lead breaks inside the insulation, just due to metal fatigue caused by rocking of engine on its mountings. Can be fixed by renewing a length of cable and spade terminal at the positive feed going to the solenoid. (check your earth-strap is servicable).
The starter can't get any power from the battery until the solenoid pulls the "pre-engaged" gears into mesh, upon which a relay switches the major amperes onto the starter windings.
There is another possibility, which I have encountered twice in this last 2 years, and that is "new brushes needed inside the motor"
I was supplied with a pair of spare brushes last year when I purchased a German power-planer, made by EINHALL.
The rejuvinated starter motors were in a Vauxhall Corsa 1.7 Diesel (8-yr-old), and in a 14-yr -old Toyota Carina 2L diesel.

annachar · Joined: 08 May 2009 Posts: 1

My vaneo won't start either and it is also a 53 reg, same engine size, manuel. However, it is very intermittant - it starts sometimes, but there is no pattern to it. The AA man is perplexed - not sure if starter motor or electrics; my local mechanic is just about to take the engine out to get to the starter motor and replace it. It has another problem too - when I am driving, the interior lights come and and the doors unlock - there is some thought that the problems might all be connected to the alram and immobiliser. It has been in the Merc garage about 12 times over the last two years and they still can't fix the light and unlocking problem!!!HELP!!!

DONFRAMAC · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 127

My Son's SEAT IBIZI has 3 ECU units. One locks the doors when you drive off, etc.
It seems possible that if the vital ECU does not know that the transponder-ignition key is in the ignition, then it will obstruct the starter.
From reading forums, I have been made aware of the ECU losing the memory of the authorised immobiliser key-code. Perhaps such losses of ECU data can be intermittant?
Seems to be a question for the technical support department at the UK QQ.

shanedegs · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 1

Did anyone get a good anwer in the end to resolve this issue as I have the same thing happening for the second time and don't want to spend £500 again having the starter motor replaced if it's not that?

Cheers

Shanedegs :cry: