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Help! W204 C220 CDI Strange Issues

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Old May 23, 2023 | 06:35 AM
  #1  
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Help! W204 C220 CDI Strange Issues

Hi,

I got a 2009 W204 C220 CDI diesel. There are two issues with it which started since Jan this year (2023)


1. On Jan 2023, I was driving at the highway (110km), the car will suddenly loose power and "ESP currently unavailable" will come up on the dash. the car will not rev over 1500 rpm, (limp mode ?). It clears only once you stop and switch it off and back on.


2. Since April, the car will loose drive for 1-2 seconds. Intermittently the car will just loose power - it can happen going fast or slow, car can be warm or cold.. it just cuts the power then after 1 or 2 seconds it goes fine, engine light went on for 24hrs, then disappeared. I took to the workshop, they changed the engine and fuel related relay, but it happens again after 4 weeks, because the fault is totally intermittent, the workshop has spend a lot of time to test, which caused a lot money on labor and did not the fix the problem


I bought a OBD reader, it happens again today. I have attached the DTC log, the workshop think its not the startup relay issue (because I always start may car without issues), also don't think its fuel regulator issue. I just don't want to spend lots of $$$ for someone spend half day to test and change out all the working parts and not resolve the issue.


anyone got similar experience ? Thanks


============================

OBD-IIOBD-II

DTCs: 9

----------------------------

P0615 [0x0615]

Starter motor relay - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed

----------------------------

P0091 [0x0091]

Fuel pressure regulator 1 - short to earth; Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Status: Confirmed

----------------------------

P0615(00) [0x061500] Archive (inactive)

Starter motor relay - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0597(00) [0x059700] Archive (inactive)

Thermostat heater control system - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P2600(00) [0x260000] Archive (inactive)

Engine coolant pump motor - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0091(00) [0x009100] Archive (inactive)

Fuel pressure regulator 1 - short to earth; Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0244(13) [0x024413] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) wastegate regulating valve A - range/performance problem

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0045(00) [0x004500] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) boost control solenoid/supercharger (SC) boost control solenoid - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0033(00) [0x003300] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) bypass valve - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

============================

Engine control unitEngine control unit

DTCs: 7

----------------------------

P0615(00) [0x061500] Archive (inactive)

Starter motor relay - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0597(00) [0x059700] Archive (inactive)

Thermostat heater control system - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P2600(00) [0x260000] Archive (inactive)

Engine coolant pump motor - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0091(00) [0x009100] Archive (inactive)

Fuel pressure regulator 1 - short to earth; Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0244(13) [0x024413] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) wastegate regulating valve A - range/performance problem

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0045(00) [0x004500] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) boost control solenoid/supercharger (SC) boost control solenoid - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0033(00) [0x003300] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) bypass valve - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

============================

Transmission control unit

No DTC found.

============================

ABS control unitABS control unit

DTCs: 1

----------------------------

C2106 [0x6106] Archive (inactive)

Status: Validated and stored in non volatile memory
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 09:57 AM
  #2  
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c220
2019/Nov/13 New battery installed
2023/Jan/10 On the highway (110km), the car will suddenly loose power and "ESP currently unavailable" will come up on the dash. the car will not rev over 1500 rpm. However did not leave any DTC in the log
2023/Apr/09 Same thing happened again No EPS error this time, left DTC code: P0615 (Starter motor relay) and P0091 (Fuel pressure regulator 1)
2023/Apr/18 The car loose power in the car park, wouldn't crank up. after few mins it started again. (DTC same as OP)
2023/Apr/24 Workshop changed engine main relay, injection relay
2023/May/23 The car was suddenly shaked, and engine like came on. (DTC attached in OP)

It happened 4times in the past 5months, a bit more regular since Apr.
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 01:18 PM
  #3  
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From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
Originally Posted by bm2amb
2019/Nov/13 New battery installed
2023/Jan/10 On the highway (110km), the car will suddenly loose power and "ESP currently unavailable" will come up on the dash. the car will not rev over 1500 rpm. However did not leave any DTC in the log
2023/Apr/09 Same thing happened again No EPS error this time, left DTC code: P0615 (Starter motor relay) and P0091 (Fuel pressure regulator 1)
2023/Apr/18 The car loose power in the car park, wouldn't crank up. after few mins it started again. (DTC same as OP)
2023/Apr/24 Workshop changed engine main relay, injection relay
2023/May/23 The car was suddenly shaked, and engine like came on. (DTC attached in OP)

It happened 4times in the past 5months, a bit more regular since Apr.
From your DTC log, only two faults are active; the starter relay and the fuel pressure regulator. I would concentrate on the second issue as this will directly affect the running condition of the vehicle. The code is reporting a fault to ground so I would first examine the wiring and any connectors associated with the regulator. Next, I would measure the fuel pressure. A drop in pressure would definitely cause the stumbling or the limp mode. I don't THINK the starter relay would interfere with the running of the running of the engine since it's only involved to start the engine.
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 07:04 PM
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Thanks for the reply

Would fuel regulator failed could create so many DTC electronics error ?
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 08:15 PM
  #5  
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From: Panama City, FL
2020 C300, 2013 C250, 2000 Boxster S
Originally Posted by bm2amb
Thanks for the reply

Would fuel regulator failed could create so many DTC electronics error ?
I don't think the DTCs are related. I would clear all the codes and drive for several weeks and then scan again for codes. This will give the ones which are still active and need attention.
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 08:32 PM
  #6  
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c220
it happened 4 times, basically same error codes (I kept the log), the main one are starter motor relay, fuel pressure regulator 1.

however I can start the car normally, with in 1 crank! battery is 3.5 years old Varta F21 AGM, cold idle voltage is 12.3

2023/Jan/10 On the highway (110km), the car will suddenly loose power and "ESP currently unavailable" will come up on the dash. the car will not rev over 1500 rpm. However did not leave any DTC in the log
2023/Apr/09 Same thing happened again No EPS error this time, left DTC code: P0615 (Starter motor relay) and P0091 (Fuel pressure regulator 1)
2023/Apr/18 The car loose power in the car park, wouldn't crank up. after few mins it started again. (Same DTC)
2023/Apr/24 Workshop changed engine main relay, injection relay
2023/May/23 The car was suddenly shaked, and engine like came on. (Same DTC)
Reply
Old May 10, 2026 | 02:43 PM
  #7  
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W212
Same problem w212 OM651

Originally Posted by bm2amb
Hi,

I got a 2009 W204 C220 CDI diesel. There are two issues with it which started since Jan this year (2023)


1. On Jan 2023, I was driving at the highway (110km), the car will suddenly loose power and "ESP currently unavailable" will come up on the dash. the car will not rev over 1500 rpm, (limp mode ?). It clears only once you stop and switch it off and back on.


2. Since April, the car will loose drive for 1-2 seconds. Intermittently the car will just loose power - it can happen going fast or slow, car can be warm or cold.. it just cuts the power then after 1 or 2 seconds it goes fine, engine light went on for 24hrs, then disappeared. I took to the workshop, they changed the engine and fuel related relay, but it happens again after 4 weeks, because the fault is totally intermittent, the workshop has spend a lot of time to test, which caused a lot money on labor and did not the fix the problem


I bought a OBD reader, it happens again today. I have attached the DTC log, the workshop think its not the startup relay issue (because I always start may car without issues), also don't think its fuel regulator issue. I just don't want to spend lots of $$$ for someone spend half day to test and change out all the working parts and not resolve the issue.


anyone got similar experience ? Thanks


============================

OBD-IIOBD-II

DTCs: 9

----------------------------

P0615 [0x0615]

Starter motor relay - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed

----------------------------

P0091 [0x0091]

Fuel pressure regulator 1 - short to earth; Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Status: Confirmed

----------------------------

P0615(00) [0x061500] Archive (inactive)

Starter motor relay - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0597(00) [0x059700] Archive (inactive)

Thermostat heater control system - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P2600(00) [0x260000] Archive (inactive)

Engine coolant pump motor - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0091(00) [0x009100] Archive (inactive)

Fuel pressure regulator 1 - short to earth; Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0244(13) [0x024413] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) wastegate regulating valve A - range/performance problem

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0045(00) [0x004500] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) boost control solenoid/supercharger (SC) boost control solenoid - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0033(00) [0x003300] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) bypass valve - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

============================

Engine control unitEngine control unit

DTCs: 7

----------------------------

P0615(00) [0x061500] Archive (inactive)

Starter motor relay - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0597(00) [0x059700] Archive (inactive)

Thermostat heater control system - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P2600(00) [0x260000] Archive (inactive)

Engine coolant pump motor - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0091(00) [0x009100] Archive (inactive)

Fuel pressure regulator 1 - short to earth; Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0244(13) [0x024413] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) wastegate regulating valve A - range/performance problem

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0045(00) [0x004500] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) boost control solenoid/supercharger (SC) boost control solenoid - open circuit

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

----------------------------

P0033(00) [0x003300] Archive (inactive)

Turbocharger (TC) bypass valve - circuit malfunction

Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear

============================

Transmission control unit

No DTC found.

============================

ABS control unitABS control unit

DTCs: 1

----------------------------

C2106 [0x6106] Archive (inactive)

Status: Validated and stored in non volatile memory
Hello,

I’ve had the exact same problem for 2 years. I’ve spent a lot of money taking the car to several mechanics, but it seems that nobody can figure out the source of the problem!

Could you please let me know if you managed to solve this random issue? The serious problem is that my car does it very often. At first, it would restart immediately, but now I have to wait at least an hour before the engine starts again.

Thank you very much and have a good evening.
Gianfranco
Reply
Old May 10, 2026 | 07:00 PM
  #8  
bm2amb's Avatar
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c220
Hi there

Yes, I resolved the issue by purchasing a second ECU from a wrecker and cloning the old ECU data to the donor unit. The problem is now solved.







Originally Posted by Gianfranco2697
Hello,

I’ve had the exact same problem for 2 years. I’ve spent a lot of money taking the car to several mechanics, but it seems that nobody can figure out the source of the problem!

Could you please let me know if you managed to solve this random issue? The serious problem is that my car does it very often. At first, it would restart immediately, but now I have to wait at least an hour before the engine starts again.

Thank you very much and have a good evening.
Gianfranco
Reply
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Old May 11, 2026 | 05:40 AM
  #9  
Gianfranco2697's Avatar
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W212
Originally Posted by bm2amb
Hi there

Yes, I resolved the issue by purchasing a second ECU from a wrecker and cloning the old ECU data to the donor unit. The problem is now solved.
Good morning, and thank you for sharing this!

Unfortunately, I did the same thing about a year ago, but the problem was not solved — in fact, it got worse. So I thought I had simply been unlucky and bought another SAM with the same issue. I then sent the new control unit to a center that analyzes these components, but they told me they could not find any problems…

May I ask whether the system migration from the original control unit to the new one was done automatically/in bulk or manually? I’m starting to think that the bug is actually in the software and that it may have been transferred to the new unit as well.

Thanks again!
Reply
Old May 11, 2026 | 05:45 AM
  #10  
bm2amb's Avatar
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c220
Have you tried a different SAM controller module A2229009808 ?

Reply
Old May 11, 2026 | 08:28 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by bm2amb
Have you tried a different SAM controller module A2229009808 ?
Hello,

the SAM module controller has not been changed. As I mentioned, the ECU was changed instead (I’m attaching a photo).

Are you asking this because, besides the ECU, you also replaced the SAM module controller?

Thank you.
Reply
Old May 11, 2026 | 08:48 AM
  #12  
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c220
I had an ECU issue similar to yours. We initially replaced the SAM module before replacing the ECU, but the SAM module didn’t resolve the problem.

Once the ECU fixed the issue, we reinstalled the SAM module to its original state.
Reply
Old May 11, 2026 | 09:03 AM
  #13  
Gianfranco2697's Avatar
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Originally Posted by bm2amb
I had an ECU issue similar to yours. We initially replaced the SAM module before replacing the ECU, but the SAM module didn’t resolve the problem.

Once the ECU fixed the issue, we reinstalled the SAM module to its original state.
understand, very clear.
If you were advised to replace the SAM module, it’s evidently because it’s part of the circuit and could be the cause of these errors. I could ask my mechanic to try this.
Do you remember whether the replacement SAM module needs to be programmed?
Reply
Old May 11, 2026 | 09:08 AM
  #14  
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I can't recall 100%, but i don't think needs to code SAM.

also i have replaced the engine main relay, injection relay.
Reply

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