dannyboii222

hi i have a question im having a problem with my 96 c280 the only way it would start is by pressing on the gas other than that it would take forever to start anyone know whats the problem if so, help me plz thanks

SZMB

It could be that the throttle plate in the throttle body is sticky/dirty, you should clean it with carburetor cleaner.

Mayoor

Same problem .... I think my is a bad fuel pump once started car runs fine ..... when checked the valve under the air filter ..... splirting air and gasoline

AcousticplayerJ

Try changing the fuel filter. I began having some starting issues a while ago and it turns out that my filter was very dirty. Ever since then, it's been great! Just remember, the fuel system is pressurized, so you'll want to start the car and then take out the fuel pump relay while it's running and then the car should stall out. You'll be able to remove the fuel filter now, but there's still going to be a lot of gas inside of it, so just be aware. Also, the fuel filter is directional, so pay attention to that: you don't want to put it in the wrong way.

I just remembered, there is a test u can try. Turn the key to the 2nd position (the one where all the dash lights are on) and wait for the fuel gauge needle to move up. Then turn it off. Now do that once more and then try to start the car. This little procedure gives the car a chance to get everything primed. If this method always gets the car started (without using the gas pedal) then that's another reason I'd try changing the fuel filter.

If your fuel pump is bad, you'll have a better idea after the filter is changed.

Mayoor

Thanks ..... that was my first thought and I had the filter changed about 2 to 3 months ago. It is possible I got some bad gas or it got clogged or cheated by the mechanic.

I need to get under the car and find the filter and check it out. I wish thing were easily accessible -

AcousticplayerJ

Well, it's towards the back of the car. There's a plastic cover and under there is the fuel pump and fuel filter. The filter is the wider of the two and it looks like the one in the attached file. You'll also want to get some new hose clamps. Make sure you get the direction right when you install the new filter. They can get dirty even with a few bad batches of gas. I bet replacing it will make a big difference.