Washed Engine, Difficulty Starting
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
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e220 2003
Washed Engine, Difficulty Starting
Hi I have a cdi 220 and it worked great except when I decided to wash the engine and the next morning the engine refused to start it would crank but not start and would require the gas pedal to be pressed and would start after 7/8 attempts after which would start without an issue for the entire day but would repeat the behavior the next morning. The engine check light is ON but switches off during the day when the car is kept switched off for a few hours. There is no change other wise in the drive, sound etc every thing works as it did before - I have shown it to a few local mechanics and they have no clue. More than a week and it still continues. Please help!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 680
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2008 C350 Sport 4Matic Swap
You need to scan it in the morning when the check engine light is on, get a i980 Icarsoft scanner and it will tell you what's wrong. Washing mercedes engine bays is a very risky things, they arent designed to have water come from the top, if you do wish to wash it, you only wash the bottom of the block with degreaser and a hose, the top of the engine must be hand wash with a spray bottle to prevent water going into places you dont want.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
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e220 2003
Thank you for your reply.
Got the engine scanned and found the glow plug relay/timer module got damppened and short circuited and in turn all the glow plugs in all the four cylinders showed faulty on the scan. These were replaced as well as the relay module and the car is back to normal and starts at first self in cold mornings.
Its a lovely machine and in love with it - If only it just continues to perform as it does. Thank you every one!
Got the engine scanned and found the glow plug relay/timer module got damppened and short circuited and in turn all the glow plugs in all the four cylinders showed faulty on the scan. These were replaced as well as the relay module and the car is back to normal and starts at first self in cold mornings.
Its a lovely machine and in love with it - If only it just continues to perform as it does. Thank you every one!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 861
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From: Philly area
350 GLK, C280
Too bad about the cost of washing the top of the engine, however, don't stop looking at the engine, especially in cold weather. Mice love to take up residence on that nice flat cover when the weather gets cold. I had a mouse build a nest overnight on mine. Fortunately I got rid of it before it did any damage. I was talking to my service rep, and he related a story about a woman who just got her car back because a family of mice had taken up residence in her engine. When they got hungry they started eating the wires and did over $6000 worth of damage to the wiring.
Enjoy the car
Enjoy the car
