'02 C320 won't crank
06-09-2009, 01:23 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C320
'02 C320 won't crank
Tried to drive my C320 the other day after it had been sitting for about a week. When I tried to start it the car would crank, but the engine wouldn't fire. After 5 minutes and a few tries, it started.
I drove about a block and the car completely shut down and every light on the console lit up. After stopping, the car cranked up again and I made it to the gas station to fill up b/c I was low on gas.
After leaving the gas station and making a couple of extra stops where the car cranked just fine, I was driving down the road and the car just shut down again - no engine, no power steering, no power brakes (radio and other electronics still worked) and the console lit up again. This time the car wouldn't restart; most of the electronics (radio, lights, windows, etc.) except the a/c still work fine.
Fast forward to today - independent mechanic taking a look at it. He hooks it up to the computer and gets no codes. Checked the battery and his tester said the battery was bad but when he put in a new battery, the car still wouldn't start. We tried the second key in case it was an issue with a bum key and for whatever reason he doesn't think it is the CPS. The really bad news is this morning the drivers side floorboard is soaked (we've had a ton of rain lately).
Anyone know if we've got some leaking issues that can screw up some computer system somewhere or maybe an electronic sensor or connection? Needless to say, I'm nervous about this one.
I drove about a block and the car completely shut down and every light on the console lit up. After stopping, the car cranked up again and I made it to the gas station to fill up b/c I was low on gas.
After leaving the gas station and making a couple of extra stops where the car cranked just fine, I was driving down the road and the car just shut down again - no engine, no power steering, no power brakes (radio and other electronics still worked) and the console lit up again. This time the car wouldn't restart; most of the electronics (radio, lights, windows, etc.) except the a/c still work fine.
Fast forward to today - independent mechanic taking a look at it. He hooks it up to the computer and gets no codes. Checked the battery and his tester said the battery was bad but when he put in a new battery, the car still wouldn't start. We tried the second key in case it was an issue with a bum key and for whatever reason he doesn't think it is the CPS. The really bad news is this morning the drivers side floorboard is soaked (we've had a ton of rain lately).
Anyone know if we've got some leaking issues that can screw up some computer system somewhere or maybe an electronic sensor or connection? Needless to say, I'm nervous about this one.
06-09-2009, 04:13 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
06-09-2009, 04:39 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
06-09-2009, 04:42 PM
#5
Super Moderator
I can only agree with mleskovar - classic CPS symptoms. If he does not think it's the CPS - ask him why & what he thinks is wrong & why - It's your car.
06-09-2009, 10:12 PM
#6
Senior Member
Trending Topics
06-09-2009, 10:35 PM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
06-09-2009, 10:42 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
06-10-2009, 07:19 AM
#10
MBworld Guru
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Diamond Bar, CA
Posts: 22,007
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
white and whiter
... and for whatever reason he doesn't think it is the CPS. The really bad news is this morning the drivers side floorboard is soaked (we've had a ton of rain lately).
Anyone know if we've got some leaking issues that can screw up some computer system somewhere or maybe an electronic sensor or connection? Needless to say, I'm nervous about this one.
Anyone know if we've got some leaking issues that can screw up some computer system somewhere or maybe an electronic sensor or connection? Needless to say, I'm nervous about this one.
2. why would he leave your window open and letting the rain soak the interior? another reason you need a better mechanic.
06-19-2009, 08:52 PM
#11
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C320
Just got the car back today and thought I'd give folks an update.
Seems like the key to this mystery was the water in the floorboard. The drain holes below the windshield were clogged and with the days upon days of rain we've had lately, the water made its way into the engine compartment and shorted out the SAM. A nice $2,300 repair that my insurance friends are paying for.
Moral of the story - it isn't always the CPS and keep your car free of leaves and debris!
Seems like the key to this mystery was the water in the floorboard. The drain holes below the windshield were clogged and with the days upon days of rain we've had lately, the water made its way into the engine compartment and shorted out the SAM. A nice $2,300 repair that my insurance friends are paying for.
Moral of the story - it isn't always the CPS and keep your car free of leaves and debris!
