C36 AMG, C43 AMG (W202) 1995 - 2000

C280 2000 wont' start bad fuel pump?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2010 | 11:03 AM
  #1  
wlacey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Mercedes Benz 2000 C280
C280 2000 wont' start bad fuel pump?

Hey,

I've used this board before for ideas. My C280 (136K) ran poorly after a 40 mile freeway run. I stopped at an intersection, the light changed and I tried to pull through but the car lurched and bucked. I got through the intersection, pulled off to the side, stopped the car and restarted and the car just cranked and cranked. It caught briefly but ran very poorly never getting to a steady idle. Car was towed home, hasn't started since - cranks but no combustion.

Based on info on this forum, I swapped out the Crankshaft Position Sensor thinking the car behaves as if it is getting no gas. Alas, after putting in the new CPS, same problem. I began thinking fuel. The Bentley Manual I've been using suggested removing the fuel pump relay and jumpering it to test for fuel pump operation. This I did and no fuel pump noise - I was surprised. The manual next suggested, removing the connector to the fuel pump, putting a volt meter in the leads to the fuel pump and then putting the jumper in again. This I did and I promptly read 12 volts - sort of proving I am getting proper power to the fuel pump.

My question: to a more experienced mind, does this sound like a bad fuel pump ?

Is swapping out the fuel pump an fairly straight forward job?

Anybody here changed their own fuel pump?

Love the car, ran great for all the time I've had it - I cant' believe it is a serious problem.

Thanks for any help.
W

Last edited by wlacey; Sep 12, 2010 at 11:05 AM. Reason: fix typeo
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2010 | 11:38 AM
  #2  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
I have never changed the fuel pump but if you didn't hear it kick on then you might be correct in assuming it needs to be changed.

I found this thread that describes similar issues: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202...-followed.html
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2010 | 12:59 PM
  #3  
Jovsky's Avatar
Senior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 C230 Kompressor Sport
This might sound stupid, did you check the gas? Maybe you've run out of gas?

This happened to my friend who owns a C280. His car won't start and tells me his fuel gauge is still 1/2 tank full. We brought the car to the shop to have it checked and lo, the tank was empty. The gauge got stuck in one-half. Filled the car with gas and started right away. He had the fuel gauge repaired.

Just another option to look at.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2010 | 01:56 PM
  #4  
wlacey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Mercedes Benz 2000 C280
Not a stupid response at all Jovsky. Will eliminate the obvious before tearing into the job.

Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2010 | 03:06 PM
  #5  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
I have read in other threads that the lack of fuel was the culprit as well. The OP had stated he knew he had enough fuel but the tow truck driver added a couple of liters and then "rocked" the car back and forth and the car started. Either way you need air, fuel, and spark so start with one and move on to the next once you have eliminated each variable.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2010 | 11:33 PM
  #6  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Any updates on a diagnosis?
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 09:20 AM
  #7  
wlacey's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
Mercedes Benz 2000 C280
Problem solved. It was indeed the fuel pump.

Picked up a Pierburg for $238 and a new filter from NAPA and she is back on the road again. Actually running better, the car had a very responsive initial accelerator response so that it sort of jumped when starting from a dead stop. Now, that jump is gone, I guess the engine management system was compensating for low fuel pressuer and that is no longer necessary.

Thanks for everyone's help from the forum.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 05:28 PM
  #8  
503C43 ////AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Originally Posted by wlacey
Problem solved. It was indeed the fuel pump.

Picked up a Pierburg for $238 and a new filter from NAPA and she is back on the road again. Actually running better, the car had a very responsive initial accelerator response so that it sort of jumped when starting from a dead stop. Now, that jump is gone, I guess the engine management system was compensating for low fuel pressuer and that is no longer necessary.

Thanks for everyone's help from the forum.
glad to hear you are back on the road
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:47 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE