Weird cold startup issue
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 134
Likes: 10
From: New Hampshire
C 32 AMG & FG2 Civic Si
Weird cold startup issue
Hi all, I'm mostly active on the C32/C55 forum but I bought a 2003 C320 about 8 months ago and have had a few issues with it. I've managed to fix all problems that were causing codes (new MAF, TPS, secondary air pump check valve) but am still left with a weird startup issue.
The colder it is outside, the more severe the issue is. So let's say it's 40 degrees F, I turn the key and it feels like the engine chokes a little bit until it starts up. After I wait until the idle dies down to normal after around 10 seconds, if I put it into reverse (or even drive), the revs drop a little and the engine shakes and dies. If I try to start it up again, it cranks and cranks and I basically have to hold my foot on the gas until it eventually coughs into life. If I put my foot down after it starts up and it isn't warm yet, the engine revs distinctly pulsate as they move up the tachometer.
If I just start it up and let it idle for like five minutes, or hold the revs at ~2k for a minute or two, I can successfully shift into drive or reverse without the engine dying.
Although I have no codes, I am noticing a slightly burning smell sometimes and what I perceive to be an excessive amount of smoke (or condensation) coming out of the exhaust.
I've done a fresh oil change (Mobil 1 0W-40 and Mann OEM filter) and it hasn't made a difference. I'm wondering if it might be fuel related but I really have no idea.
Anybody have any ideas about what could be going on? Thanks!
The colder it is outside, the more severe the issue is. So let's say it's 40 degrees F, I turn the key and it feels like the engine chokes a little bit until it starts up. After I wait until the idle dies down to normal after around 10 seconds, if I put it into reverse (or even drive), the revs drop a little and the engine shakes and dies. If I try to start it up again, it cranks and cranks and I basically have to hold my foot on the gas until it eventually coughs into life. If I put my foot down after it starts up and it isn't warm yet, the engine revs distinctly pulsate as they move up the tachometer.
If I just start it up and let it idle for like five minutes, or hold the revs at ~2k for a minute or two, I can successfully shift into drive or reverse without the engine dying.
Although I have no codes, I am noticing a slightly burning smell sometimes and what I perceive to be an excessive amount of smoke (or condensation) coming out of the exhaust.
I've done a fresh oil change (Mobil 1 0W-40 and Mann OEM filter) and it hasn't made a difference. I'm wondering if it might be fuel related but I really have no idea.
Anybody have any ideas about what could be going on? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 134
Likes: 10
From: New Hampshire
C 32 AMG & FG2 Civic Si
why do you say that? the code that it was throwing earlier was the p0410, but it went away and has not come back since i replaced the check valve. weirdly enough, i stumbled across a thread here on mbworld where someone had used a cheap obd2 scanner that had switched his car into e85 mode. the member experienced similar issues to mine. i'm not sure how that's possible since the engine is supposed to automatically detect e85 versus gas or any mixture of the two. either way, i have been using a cheap $20 scanner too, so there may be some correlation.
i looked at the manual and it states that any combination of e85 and gas (e10 here) is fine to use. so i filled my tank up with half 93 octane gas and half e85. curiously, it runs very noticeably better. once i run out this tank, i'll fill up with e85 only and update this thread.
i looked at the manual and it states that any combination of e85 and gas (e10 here) is fine to use. so i filled my tank up with half 93 octane gas and half e85. curiously, it runs very noticeably better. once i run out this tank, i'll fill up with e85 only and update this thread.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Cape town
not a merc
Where is this check Valve located ? What does it look like? I am trying to picture it! It's possible that coding changed with cheap tester. But then you must ask yourself did this issue only occur after you used the tester and what were you doing with the tester? Have you cleaned the throttle body? Have you reprogrammed throttle valve stop? When last were the plugs changed (correct plugs) take a look at those items first
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 134
Likes: 10
From: New Hampshire
C 32 AMG & FG2 Civic Si
Plutoe, what are you talking about? Why do you say I don't have the diagnostic tools or the experience to start the process? Where would you get that information? I think you should be a bit more careful in what you say about members that you don't know.
In any case, I do have a good amount of experience with the W203 and the M112 in particular. Also, I have access to a couple of people with the STAR DAS that could easily switch the fuel setting. Further, I have not had any issues whatsoever since I filled up with half E85. The code regarding the secondary air system has never come back since I replaced the check valve.
Russell, the check valve is pretty tiny. It is in the front of the engine bay toward the left side (battery side). I'm attaching a picture of what it looks like. It takes two seconds to replace.
In any case, I do have a good amount of experience with the W203 and the M112 in particular. Also, I have access to a couple of people with the STAR DAS that could easily switch the fuel setting. Further, I have not had any issues whatsoever since I filled up with half E85. The code regarding the secondary air system has never come back since I replaced the check valve.
Russell, the check valve is pretty tiny. It is in the front of the engine bay toward the left side (battery side). I'm attaching a picture of what it looks like. It takes two seconds to replace.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 134
Likes: 10
From: New Hampshire
C 32 AMG & FG2 Civic Si
i installed an oem bosch maf sensor.
for any interested, the c320 is still running well on c320. no startup issues whatsoever and no check engine lights, codes, etc.
hope this helps someone down the line.
for any interested, the c320 is still running well on c320. no startup issues whatsoever and no check engine lights, codes, etc.
hope this helps someone down the line.
