C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

RPM fluctuation on idle

Old Nov 6, 2022 | 09:18 AM
  #1  
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2007 W204 C280 Gasoline
RPM fluctuation on idle

Hello, my car occasionally has rpm fluctuations on idle, especially when the engine is cold. I don't notice any power loss or fluctuations of some sort while driving.

I've included a link to a video showing one of the worst occurrences. After reading a few threads on the topic, they suggest that it could be the HPFP, which I doubt is the issue now because I've already had it replaced. It could also be the torque converter, but I'm not sure how to diagnose that. Another possibility could be related to the air system but I can't exactly point out which part is failing.

It would be great if I could get some insight into the situation.

https://imgur.com/a/tO0EPv4
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Old Nov 7, 2022 | 12:30 PM
  #2  
CaliBenzDriver's Avatar
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Idle surging pretty badly ... AIR!

I vote for your AIR LEAK suggestion.
Definitely not torque converter....
At 230,000Km, everything's possible!

Before swapping more parts you want to SCAN your car for active faults. The scanner will also provide you will fuel pressure data. The way rpm is surging super regularly sorts of rules out a gas issue.

What I think is going on is the ECU is not satisfied with the air intake sensor (MAF/MAP). The ECU is ramping with the idle to test for valid data.

Practically...:
  • scan early, scan often!!
  • check there's no intake air leaks
  • clean intake sensor
  • watch live data output under suspicion

✌️
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Old Nov 15, 2022 | 08:10 AM
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2007 W204 C280 Gasoline
Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
I vote for your AIR LEAK suggestion.
Definitely not torque converter....
At 230,000Km, everything's possible!

Before swapping more parts you want to SCAN your car for active faults. The scanner will also provide you will fuel pressure data. The way rpm is surging super regularly sorts of rules out a gas issue.

What I think is going on is the ECU is not satisfied with the air intake sensor (MAF/MAP). The ECU is ramping with the idle to test for valid data.

Practically...:
  • scan early, scan often!!
  • check there's no intake air leaks
  • clean intake sensor
  • watch live data output under suspicion

✌️
Thank for your suggestion. I took your advise and cleaned both the MAF and throttle body. The car idles more stable now. However, I did compare the air mass flow rate before and after to see whether there was a difference but both readings came out the same, around 18-19 kg/h. Shouldn't it make a much lower reading after cleaning the sensor?
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Old Nov 29, 2022 | 12:28 AM
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Mercedes C220 CDI w204 2009
Fix with LiquiMoly purge

Hi,
I had issue with rough ideal during morning time, no transmission jerking it was serviced with oil change from dealer. I used diesel purge in tank of 5 liters of fuel and replaced new fuel filter. No more jerking from last 6 months. Attached pic of 1.5 year old fuel filter condition which was removed.

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