W203 sluggish cold start
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
W203 sluggish cold start
Hey guys, my 2005 c230 kompressor is giving me a sluggish cold start. Takes about 4 seconds to start in the mornings. But after work, starts right up.
Installed new battery, tested alternator and starter.
New spark plugs and coil packs.
Again, only happens on cold start.
Am I leaning towards and maf issue or fuel pump related?
Thankyou
Installed new battery, tested alternator and starter.
New spark plugs and coil packs.
Again, only happens on cold start.
Am I leaning towards and maf issue or fuel pump related?
Thankyou
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Are you using a OEM battery? Lots of cheap aftermarket crap out there that may or may not cut it, especially if the CCA rating is lower than the original 760A.
Another thing I would look into is the voltage regulator which is attached to the alternator module. Car was doing weird things including slow cranking. However I also had a dash (light sensor) error.
Another thing I would look into is the voltage regulator which is attached to the alternator module. Car was doing weird things including slow cranking. However I also had a dash (light sensor) error.
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
Are you using a OEM battery? Lots of cheap aftermarket crap out there that may or may not cut it, especially if the CCA rating is lower than the original 760A.
Another thing I would look into is the voltage regulator which is attached to the alternator module. Car was doing weird things including slow cranking. However I also had a dash (light sensor) error.
Another thing I would look into is the voltage regulator which is attached to the alternator module. Car was doing weird things including slow cranking. However I also had a dash (light sensor) error.
Thanks for the reply. Ye the battery isn't OEM but meets OEM specs. In my model it's 900cca so that's what I got. And I went with an AGM as well. The battery is performing well. My old battery from Delco is still great and its like 6 years old haha.
How do I check the voltage regulator?
And can this in any way be a fuel issue?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
The VR is known to go bad on this car. I have no idea if the part was updated by MY2005.
You may not have the same error code (we have different instrument clusters anyways), but the sluggish start despite installing a new battery is why I'm suspecting the VR.
Keep in mind that your alternator is probably a different version from mine, so you'll have to search for the PN. The dealer will have it.
Technically the VR can be tested, but getting to it (it's attached to the alternator) is such a pita you might as well just replace it. The VR is not terribly expensive.
The fuel pumps for these cars tend to just die suddenly, so I don't think that is the issue. With that said, these things tend to go around the 220k mark.
Lastly, the OEM batteries typically last anywhere from 4-9 years depending on climate. I imagine there are decent aftermarket AGM batteries with similar specs out there. However the price difference was small enough on this end to stick to OEM.
You may not have the same error code (we have different instrument clusters anyways), but the sluggish start despite installing a new battery is why I'm suspecting the VR.
Keep in mind that your alternator is probably a different version from mine, so you'll have to search for the PN. The dealer will have it.
Technically the VR can be tested, but getting to it (it's attached to the alternator) is such a pita you might as well just replace it. The VR is not terribly expensive.
The fuel pumps for these cars tend to just die suddenly, so I don't think that is the issue. With that said, these things tend to go around the 220k mark.
Lastly, the OEM batteries typically last anywhere from 4-9 years depending on climate. I imagine there are decent aftermarket AGM batteries with similar specs out there. However the price difference was small enough on this end to stick to OEM.
Last edited by slammer111; Sep 14, 2021 at 01:38 AM.
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
The VR is known to go bad on this car. I have no idea if the part was updated by MY2005.
You may not have the save error code (we have different instrument clusters anyways), but the sluggish start despite installing a new battery is why I'm suspecting the VR.
Keep in mind that your alternator is probably a different version from mine, so you'll have to search for the PN. The dealer will have it.
Technically the VR can be tested, but getting to it (it's attached to the alternator) is such a pita you might as well just replace it. The VR is not terribly expensive.
The fuel pumps for these cars tend to just die suddenly, so I don't think that is the issue. With that said, these things tend to go around the 220k mark.
Lastly, the OEM batteries typically last anywhere from 4-9 years depending on climate. I imagine there are decent aftermarket AGM batteries with similar specs out there. However the price difference was small enough on this end to stick to OEM.
You may not have the save error code (we have different instrument clusters anyways), but the sluggish start despite installing a new battery is why I'm suspecting the VR.
Keep in mind that your alternator is probably a different version from mine, so you'll have to search for the PN. The dealer will have it.
Technically the VR can be tested, but getting to it (it's attached to the alternator) is such a pita you might as well just replace it. The VR is not terribly expensive.
The fuel pumps for these cars tend to just die suddenly, so I don't think that is the issue. With that said, these things tend to go around the 220k mark.
Lastly, the OEM batteries typically last anywhere from 4-9 years depending on climate. I imagine there are decent aftermarket AGM batteries with similar specs out there. However the price difference was small enough on this end to stick to OEM.
Will keep you updated!
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
Hopefully just bad sensor readings
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
When I had slow cranking issues it was also only in the morning during the winter months. The common factor was cold starting in cold weather. The problem seemed to magically go away in the afternoons, even if the car had been sitting since the day before.
If I were to guess, the VR had a cold joint(s) that would contract and open up during cold weather. I never got to see the old unit when it was replaced, so cannot confirm if this was the case. All I know was that the VR was the culprit. Haven't had any electrical problems since the replacement.
If I were to guess, the VR had a cold joint(s) that would contract and open up during cold weather. I never got to see the old unit when it was replaced, so cannot confirm if this was the case. All I know was that the VR was the culprit. Haven't had any electrical problems since the replacement.
Last edited by slammer111; Sep 14, 2021 at 03:04 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 8
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
When I had slow cranking issues it was also only in the morning during the winter months. The common factor was cold starting in cold weather. The problem seemed to magically go away in the afternoons, even if the car had been sitting since the day before.
If I were to guess, the VR had a cold joint(s) that would contract and open up during cold weather. I never got to see the old unit when it was replaced, so cannot confirm if this was the case. All I know was that the VR was the culprit. Haven't had any electrical problems since the replacement.
If I were to guess, the VR had a cold joint(s) that would contract and open up during cold weather. I never got to see the old unit when it was replaced, so cannot confirm if this was the case. All I know was that the VR was the culprit. Haven't had any electrical problems since the replacement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,276
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Oil has nothing to do with it if you are sticking to the factory recommended grades.
54F isn't cold.
I'm talking closer to 0C (32F) when the problems popped up on this end.
54F isn't cold.
I'm talking closer to 0C (32F) when the problems popped up on this end.
Last edited by slammer111; Sep 15, 2021 at 01:42 PM.
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
It's a few degrees colder this morning and this morning it had a sluggish 4 second crank with no start. And started on the second crank which was much faster and smoother.
I'm starting to lean toward either starter or something with the fuel. Like the fuel regulator or fuel pump. But not sure. :/
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W203 2005 c230 kompressor sedan, w202 1997 C36 AMG, w202 1997 C230
FIXED
UPDATE, FIXED
Hey guys, this is disappointing as it was a very annoying to hear that it was just my blooping STARTER. O'Reilly's computer said originally my starter, alternator and battery were all great! It finally seized on me, of coarse while I was at work. So all because I didn't have my own space to work, $640 later it's just fine. Towing starter and labor lol. I should know, 5 German cara later to expect the unexpected. But, still drives a race car!
Hey guys, this is disappointing as it was a very annoying to hear that it was just my blooping STARTER. O'Reilly's computer said originally my starter, alternator and battery were all great! It finally seized on me, of coarse while I was at work. So all because I didn't have my own space to work, $640 later it's just fine. Towing starter and labor lol. I should know, 5 German cara later to expect the unexpected. But, still drives a race car!
