norcalslim2

Hello all. After being registered for a couple of years, this is the first time I have found the need to post. I credit this to all the members who have shared vast amounts of knowledge, experiences and solutions.

So here's my issue; my baby is a 2002 S430 with 172,000 miles. It is a beautiful Wedgewood blue metallic (as if anyone cares) which I doubt contributes to the problem I am posting about.

My check engine light is on and the code (P0335) refers to a faulty/malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor. I have no problem replacing the CPS with an OEM part but have read about many members who have replaced them (sometimes more than once) only to have the problem recur.

My reluctance lies in the fact that the car doesn't exhibit any symptoms of a bad CPS. It starts immediately every time and doesn't stall, hesitate or cut off. It runs smoothly and has more power than I can use on the road.

Has anyone else had the same or similar experience? If so, can you share the solution you found? I plan to post my fix when I do get the light to go off.

Is it possible that the magnetic ring the sensor reads needs to be cleaned with a spray solvent? Or, is the CEL an indication of an impending catastrophic failure that leaves me stranded with a "no start" condition?

tusabes

Get a new cps. You don't need to use oem parts, they sell on eBay for as little as $15 if cost is an issue

There's a video on YouTube how to change it
http://youtu.be/KTTM3VeJuA8
When my cps failed it gave no warning and simply would not restart when the car was warm . I had to let it sit all night in a shopping mall till the next day it was cold and started fine . Be lucky you didn't get stuck and got advanced notice

ibeforreal

I agree with Tusabes. One of the easiest and cheapest parts to replace. I always carry a spare one in my car.

S430LUCKDRAGON

don't you think you should look if some how there is oil dripping onto the CPS

norcalslim2

Thanks all. Makes sense to replace such an inexpensive part with so little labor involved. And no, there is no oil leaking anywhere. I just hope the error message goes away after clearing the code.

wallyp

It is a well-known fact-of-life that a part will never fail if you have a spare and the necessary tools in the vehicle...


The Mercedes stores EVERYTHING that happens to the car. The first time that I ran DAS on my S430, there were probably over a hundred stored trouble codes. There is no telling how many times the car has detected a problem with the CPS, nor how long ago.


If you are concerned, you can purchase a CPS with a lifetime warranty very inexpensively from Advance and other parts chains. Installation takes a a bit of tape, a 1/4-drive 10mm socket, 10" or longer extension, and a handle or ratchet. Takes ten minutes.


Buy an extra set of these tools cheaply from Harbor Freight, a pawn shop, flea market, etc., and put them in the spare wheel, along with the still-working CPS that you take out. Problem solved forever.

norcalslim2

Kinda like having a new spare tire, huh. You almost never have a flat. Now try removing it - you are almost guaranteed to run over a screw.

tusabes

I keep a cps and an airmatic relay in my console
Two cheap small parts that can save you on the road