I have a 1996 W210 E300D that won't start. About a month ago I had a check engine light and the glow plug light stayed on after starting for a few minutes.
I checked the glow plugs and 2 were bad. Week before last I changed all 6 GPs and re-installed the intake. The car would not start. The engine would crank and fire but shut off when the key was returned to position 2.
I pulled the manifold back off and discovered that the wires to the coolant temp sensor were bare for about 1-2 inches and that several of the wires had shorted together. I checked the temp sensor (OK) and separated and taped the bare wires. I even un-taped the harness for about 1 foot in either direction from where the wires to the temp sensor exited. the insulation on some of the wires were cracked but had not come off. I taped all of the cracked wires and re-taped the harness, re-installed the manifold.
A friend suggested that I may have activated the anti-theft feature of the alarm so I manually locked/unlocked the drivers door.
The car started right up and did so 20 or 30 more times. I drove for about 30 miles and parked. The car continued to start no problem.
Two days later the original non-start problem reappeared and 3 days later is still there. I am getting no OBDII codes or other lights.
Does anyone have a clue?

Jim

The most coomon cause for non starts on these engines is lack of fuel. Is there any fuel or air in the fuel pipes?

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www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

I did not move or disturb any fuel lines, which I replaced last summer.
The engine fires, but shuts off when the key is returned to the run position. I think something electrical is affecting the fuel pump controller/relay.

Hello,
I dont think you answered Prestige's question. I.e can you see fuel in the fuel lines (well, in the fuel filter) ?

If the car runs (not just starts) with the ignition switch in 'start' position, but stops when you return it to 'run' position it sounds like an issue with your ignition switch.

If you can check the fuel in the filter issue, we may be able to assist more - but it does sound like the car needs to be physically looked at to ascertain the problem.

Richard

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Of course i'll take it apart.

www.mercupgrades.com
www.comandonline.co.uk

As above. This seem like an ignition switch issue.

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www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

In response to Prestige and Richard, I checked the fuel lines and there was fuel in all of them.
I don't think the problem is the ignition switch either as the car started and ran prior to changing the glow plugs and did start and run for 2 days after I re-insulated the wiring to the engine coolant temp sensor (ECT). It may be a coincidence however.
Also, I have since found a component diagram of the IFI/ECM and the ECT asensor appears to be an integral part of the circuit, but I cannot find an explanation of it's exact function. Also, the resistance values of the thermistors in the ECT appear to be within range.
If the connection to the temp sensor is intermittent or a wire is broken would that cause the symptoms? Does the ECT sensor control the electrohydraulic shut-off actuator through the IFI/ECM?
I am going to re-check all the wiring again to see if I missed anything.
Jim