2004 XF won't start
 

Hi all,

I've got a 2004 XF that won't start. A month or so ago, there were three instances of non-starts that resolved them selves after turning the key 3-4 times. The other day, however, the car refused to start (and continues to not start). This behavior led me to believe that it might be the Mystery-No-Start issue with the fuel pump relay, but I can hear the pump turn on (and I've tried replacing the relay to no avail).

My dashboard lights up when I turn the key, but there's not attempt from the engine to turn over. Instead, I get 1 click from the engine.

I took my battery into Autozone to get tested, and it was dead. After installing the replacement battery, the no-start issue continues.

Is this an issue with the starter, or something else I haven't considered?

Assuming it is an issue with the starter, how to I replace it? Thankfully, my car is in my driveway instead of in a random parking lot somewhere.

Any thoughts?

Thank you very much

-Wildcard

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

Still sounds like a possible Mystery-No-Start issue. The fuel pump is only one of the items affected by the bad solder joints. The main problem lies with the Engine Control Relay (housed within the RCM) circuit path.
Open up the box that contains the RCM and smack the RCM with the handle of a screwdriver and see if it will start. Might/might not work.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-no-start.html

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

While I haven't simply just smacked the RCM (Mercedes part #A170545030505), I did buy a new one, and installed it last week to no avail. I've tried starting it with the following permutations:
1) old battery/old RCM
2) old battery/new RCM
3) new battery/old RCM
4) new battery/new RCM

none of them have worked.

any other ideas?

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

Check the grounding point (on the drivers side wheelwell in the engine compartment)
If loose or corroded it may cause the symptoms described.

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

I'll check this out in the daylight. Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

Time to check the starter.
Me. I'd jump 12v direct to the starter to see if it spins.

You say you hear a click. Is it loud like the starter engaging the flywheel or like a relay click?

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

haven't had a chance to check the grounding point yet, but wanted to see what the easiest way to access the starter was. What all needs to be removed to get to it?

Thank you

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

checked the grounding lug, it's tight and non-corroded.

On to the starter

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

Try these threads.
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...y-problem.html
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum/crossfire-coupe/45373-anomaly-2004-coupe.html#post527915

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

Followup:

ended up taking the XF to the shop since I couldn't jack the car up high enough to get good enough access to the starter (specifically it wasn't high enough to take the parts of the exhaust off to get to it). Turns out it was the starter.

It's good as new, now :-)

Re: 2004 XF won't start
 

Great to hear that you got her running again!
Gotta be the first time I heard of a starter going out.
Thanks for the follow up.