sal srt-8

Hello everyone, this is my first post here on this forum but i am a member of other forums so i am not a noob to the forum community nor cars for that matter

I did a search as i always do (as not to start another thread on the same subject) and came up with nothing for my problem.

My wife has a 2004 C240 with 70k miles and two days ago she tried to start her car and it would not turn on and threw a code. She said the engine was turning over but that was it. She waited about 15 mins and tried again and it turned on fine. No biggie, i told her to take it in for service since we thought it was still under warranty but the certified warranty expired last year The advisor told her it may be the CPS but it has been starting fine. They wanted $110 diag fee so i told her no and i would pull the codes with a scanner and use the fee to buy parts. Well, today the same thing happens only this time (she was parked on a slant) her car begins to roll backwards while she is trying to start it. She says it rolled back about 3 feet and she had to step on e-brake to stop it from rolling. I was not there to witness but this is what she is telling me. I thought Trannys had a lock when in park so something like this could not happen? Anyways, anyone know what may be causing all of this? i have no time to look at her car this week but i will dig into it next week. I just wanted to pick eveyone's brain about this before i pop the hood...

thanks in advance!

-Sal

W203E35

What does the code say? I have a feeling it has to do with the tranny.

Your scenario sounds somehting like when the car isn't on park. When your car isnt on park it can roll back and not start. So I have a feeling when you put it on park something happens to the locking mechanism and it doesnt activate thus rolling back and not starting.

Good luck ,

Let us know what the code says.

sal srt-8

I see, thank you Karo! i will pull the code(s) next week and update as i do. thanks again!

glocati

Sal, Tranny gear select/position is controlled by an electronic module. As Karo notes, symptoms sound as if a glitch in tranny actually going ( or not going) into park. Codes should yield info if that is the general reason. Definitely keep us posted and good luck, Greg

phoenix_iii

Of course, take note as to what position the shifter is in, what the indicator on the cluster shows, and the indicator on the shifter itself (lights).

Glyn M Ruck

You need to check this yourself. If the car rolls in Park it's either not in Park or the Park pin has sheared off. I think it's not in Park & that's why it wont start.

sal srt-8

I checked it last night, its definately in Park. It started and didnt roll, the CEL is on and i am going to pull the code(s) tonight... I will keep everyone posted. thanks for all the replies!

Glyn M Ruck

Excellent - Good start. One matter solved.

sal srt-8

Ok, retrieved the code: P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor.

Is this a common issue with the W203s? Anyone have a write up on the R&R?

Thanks!

FrankW

yes, it's listed in the DIY up top in the 203 forum.

the CPS is located on the driver side closer to the firewall. you'll have to reach down.

you can get the parts from rmeuropean.com for cheaper parts usually.

Glyn M Ruck

And yes it's fairly common !!!!

sal srt-8

After another extensive search, i figured out how to remove and replace. I bought a E8 Torx last night and today will buy/order the sensor.

I looked in the W203 DIY thread and did not see the write up, maybe it was removed or is it listed under something else?

Thanks again to everyones help, this forum is VERY informative and has helped me with other small fixes that needed to be addressed!

FrankW

glad you found what you needed.

could've swear the cps thread was in the diy list, but it also should be a easy topic to search on since it's very common.

W203E35

Glad everything turned out great.

Now only thing is you have to repay us by giving me a ride in the SRT

sal srt-8

Ride? Ill give you the keys just bring it back with a full tank and new tires

sal srt-8

ok, i replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor and boy was it a pain in the a$$. My left hand is scraped up and swollen from squeezing it between the engine and the firewall. i hope i dont get the opportunity to do it again! took about 1.5 hours to remove *1* E8 bolt and re-install. Anyways, i think i solved this problem, i still dont know how it rolled back while in park but then again i was not there to witness so i cannot confirm it really did

Thanks to everyone for their help, i really appreciate it. My wife plans on keeping her car so i will definately be around...

Thanks again!!!

Glyn M Ruck

Great! - yes it can be hard on the hands !!!!