Maxxamillion

My C43 is doing the old "I'm not going to start until I feel like it" trick. I already replaced my CPS but still have the issue. No stalling issues just crank up issues. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

Ausmbtech

If it cranks and won't start intermitanly, but once running it won't stall then the common culprit is the camshaft position sensor.

Mounts on the front of the RH cylinder head, along the centerline of the camshaft.

So easy to change it make the CPS look like a *^%$!

StapleGun

Ausmbtech - thanks for the info, Max let us know if that cures the problem...

MBHustla858

u can also try another key, you might not have driver authorization

1994 C36

Hi i had a the same problem on my C36 it was the relay which is in with the ECU,s would not know if its the same place on a C43.

colt45

We changed the Crank and Cam position sensors with no change, also have tried 2 different keys, still the same problem. Next try is going to be checking out relays...
Anyone else have any suggestions?

ohlord

codes? Does it crank and turn over as it should?Or is it cranking slow?
Have you checked your coolant temp sensor,if faulty it will not send the proper signal to the ecu so it can modify the fuel requirements.You have done the other likely suspects and if it is cranking good but not starting that could be the problem.

colt45

All the codes are happy
Will check coolant temp sensor- seems fine though.

I do have an erratic fuel level sensor, sometimes it works fine, sometimes not at all, or it will give me an empty tank w/warning light even though the tank is full.

I think I read once this could be related to the neutral safety switch, it seems at this point like its something like an intermittent relay...

Today I just saw that the coating on the drivers side outside mirror has gone liquid and splashed streaks onto the driver's door, and they don't just wipe off....

ohlord

and it would not turn over at all.So what is it doing when you turn the key?Cranking but not starting?not cranking at times at all?
Mirror goo will take some ammonia to clean off and then since it will remove all the wax,you will need to get a light compound,polish the area and apply new wax.Those filled mirrors are something aren't they200 bucks autohausaz
go to one of our members sites www.everythingbenz.com and search auto dimming or amber side mirror.You will find an r/r I think.

wd40 is another good goo remover and it is gentle on the paint.When done and dry you might want to clay bar and lube the area to get off any stubborn residue.

colt45

What happens is, it will partially turn over, then stop cranking.
Eventually it will start, sometimes after 2or 3 tries, sometimes 10 tries, always the same thing-

1-turn the key,
2-all dash lights come on as normal,
3-Turn key to crank position, and very short, partial turn over, then nothing.

I've experimented with trying to start in neutral, does not seem to make a consistent difference.

Does not seem to matter if the weather is hot or cold, if the engine is hot or cold, and it does not do it all the time. Sometimes, I just get in the car and it starts right up (like a normal car!) regardless of wether the car has been sitting or if I had just turned it off to refuel or get a Coke at the convenience store.

Thanks a bunch for the tips and the parts vendor!

I've tried a bunch of cleaners this morning without any luck- headed outside right now to try some WD 40 or ammonia.

430cruz

I'm curious to see what the cause of your starting problem is. My 99 CLK430 is having the same issue. Turn the key and it gets starter engagement for a split second then nothing. (sounds like engine turns 1/8-1/4 revolution and starter lost signal to keep turning until start-up) Some days it will do this every time I go to start it and other days it'll never happen..........

1994 C36

I think it was called the voltage overload relay.

creekdog_A

Check and see if the tach needle jumps when attempting to start if it does then the flywheel ring gear and the starter gear are dry sending a frequency to the crank sensor making it think to car is running and it will not start will need to paste the flywheel teeth.The tach needle should not move until the car is running if it does the starter will be deactivated.MB has special paste to use for this but unsure what other paste/lube you could use just don't apply too much paste.

colt45

430cruz described it exactly.

Appreciate all the help from everyone!

430cruz

Sounds like I'll need a lift to do that type of job.
Do you know if there is an access plate or cover? or does the starter need to come out?

creekdog_A

You could either access the flywheel teeth by taking out the rubber rectangle cover in the trans. bellhousing or removing the starter it doesn't matter you could access more teeth at the time by removing the starter.You will need to paste/lube all the teeth of the flywheel.Just don't apply too much paste/lube only a small amount is needed to cover the teeth dont fill the teeth gaps with it.Hope this helps your problem I have seen this happen several times to older model cars with m112 and m113 engines.Wait I forgot your driving a CLK(208) the left catalst pipe may be blocking access from the rubber rectangle on your car.You may have to either remove the left side small catalyst pipe or remove the starter it is up to you though.

430cruz

Thanks
I'll check it out this coming weekend.

mdntrun

I have the same exact problem with my 99 C43, it's been doing that for over a year now and hasn't gotten any better/worse. Sometimes it starts first try, and sometimes it starts/stops a couple times. The only thing I have done is buy a new key, but no difference

creekdog_A

Try the repair I mentioned above in my post. If it spins but doesn't start could be another issue. MB has a special paste for this but you may be able to search for another source. I have only seen this issue on older model 112 and 113 engines I think they must have changed materials of the starter drive gear and flywheel.

colt45

Hey does anyone have the part number for the magic flywheel paste/grease?
We've called 3 different MB stealerships and they all deny that it even exists...

Ausmbtech

A000 989 76 51
It's only available in a 1KG/2.2lb tub unfortunately

colt45

Thanks, mate!

colt45

Just following up on this- I was finally able to find an independent dealer with the special grease. I gave them AUSMBtech's and Creekdog A's instructions, which my mechanic followed and now my car starts perfectly, every time.
Just a refresher- in my case the problem was NOT the Crank Position Sensor, it was the flywheel teeth needed proper grease.
Thank you again, AUSMBtech and Creekdog A!

jumph4x

EDIT: NVM. Glad you fixed it.