Benc320

I was wondering if anybody knows whether these models came with engine block heaters? I have a ridiculous problem with the car !

Every winter temperature falls under -20 C. I cant start the car. The key turns, starts of the automatic starter, "wants to start" and "Fails" !
I figured it may be due to the weather. :S

Now I went to research that an engine block heater may be the solution ?!

Cant wait to hear your responses & get this babe dressed in new rims for the summer

Moviela

At those temperatures the battery needs to be in top condition too. The engine block heater is part number 900 203 48 95. There are several sponsors of this forum that can supply the heater, cable, and protective cap.

Benc320

Yes, indeed the battery is 5 years old, I don't think it has been changed since 2005.
*But mechanic has checked the battery and said it is in good condition.

Do 2005 C320 suppose to come with EBH ?
If no, what is the reason for this absent ?
I want to know due to the nature of the problem, should I fix it or should I get rid of it ?

FrankW

how is this the car's problem??? -20 celsius and you wonder why the car won't start? most cars won't start without a block heater...

and the answer to engine block heater is NO. they are accessories.

Glyn M Ruck

Glyn M Ruck

Some Canadian cars had block heaters as OE.

Benc320

I just spoke to my mechanic with regards to this problem.
He is say, when he checked the car the computer showed him a lower temprature then it actually is. For example, if the outside winter temprature is at -4, the computer shows its -20...for some odd reason...so it gives out a wrong temp. at about 16C less then the actual temp.
My concern is that temprature in my area does not fall under -20 very often and even when its -4 the car does not start ?
Any advice, or did anyone exprience the same problem ?

samaritrey

Why would you even go outside in the temperature let alone want to drive in it?
I would say engine block heater and go from there it is not expensive at all.

Glyn M Ruck

Your ENGINE temp sensor might be bad. If it send crap readings to the ECU you will not get adequate mixture enrichment for starting.

Benc320

Im not a a very mechanical person, but Im assuming that EBH has nothing to do in this situation...Its more ECU problem or a sensor problem...

I already changed, Air flow Sens, all my spark plugs, because as you said the wrong mixture of gas causes the spark plugs to over flow with gas.

How would you recommend to go about this ?

Appreciate your help.

Song

+1
many of merc in Canada have this funny plugs sticking out at the grill area. you may want to look around in the engine bay for it. Some don't come with the wire. Easiest check is to drive to a dealer and ask them. Generally no charge for this quick look.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-question.html

contact148

see this thread for a pic of the block heater location https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post4672720

if you have the cap (black plastic) where my plug is take it off I used a long flat screwdriver to tap it off it was tight MB wanted like $90.00 for the cable I took a pic of the fitting went to napa and got a cable for 22.00

change your temp sending unit through

Glyn M Ruck

This has nothing to do with the block heater.

The engine temperature sensor that feeds you dash temp gauge also feeds the ECU to tell it what the engine temperature is. If the temperature is low it richens the mixture for starting & warm up. It is doing the same thing electronically via the injection system as a manual choke does on a car with a carburettor.

I recommend you change the temperature sensor.

Benc320

Where is the Engine Temperature Sensor located ? Would I be able to buy an aftermarket one and replace it myself, or does it have to be replaced @ mechanic or Mercedes Dealer ?

Glyn M Ruck

You can replace yourself. See 29 on the diagram. I hope this is the problem but you have to try things. Please buy from a known seller of MB parts like RMeuropen etc so you get the right thing. It does not have to be a dealer.

You should also get hold of an OBDII scanner & see if the car is storing any codes. Plug is under the steering column behind a rectangular flap.

Benc320

Another Engine Check came up, I brought my car to a local dealership & they advised me that Crankshaft Position Sensor is bad. Generally speaking with regards to this post, could this sensor be the initial reason my car doesn't start in the winter ?

What Im thinking is that it (sensor) was bad in the winter but still managed to do its job and satisfy the ECU. Thats why it never showed the Crank sensor at fault, but now it the other day I was at a driver threw and the car just died on me (shut off). Which probably meant that the sensor is really bad and the ECU doesnt take the right reading ?? :S

I am not sure about my philosophy lol, but I would appreciate your comments.

Thanks.