CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

2003 CLK 320 starting problem

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Old Mar 24, 2015 | 09:03 AM
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2003 CLK320 Cabriolet
2003 CLK 320 starting problem

Car has been running great without any problems. The other day I went to start it, it cranked and cranked but wouldn't start and when I released the key it kept cranking in the "run" position??
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 12:43 AM
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
To start a CLK, turn the smart key clockwise to the stop and release it. The starter will engage until the engine is running. You don't have to hold the key until the engine starts. You shouldn't touch the accelerator while starting the car either.

If the problem is that it simply will not start, it may be the CPS. If you're a DIY type, it's a $35 part and can be ordered from AutohausAZ. If you're not a DIY type, the dealer can fix it for a couple of hundred.
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 05:20 AM
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SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
IF the CPS is checked and ok, try also looking at the fuel pump relay in the trunk, the contacts can build up with dirt over time inside the relay.
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Old Mar 25, 2015 | 11:55 AM
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2003 CLK320 Cabriolet
Jiggled the key while cranking and it started. Not sure what the CPS is but I'm sure I could handle replacing it if need be. Left key in the ignition today to reset it to car. Saw that on another forum. Then I will take out the fuel pump relay and make sure it's contacts are in good shape. My hope right now is that the ignition switch isn't going bad.
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Old Mar 26, 2015 | 05:45 AM
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SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
Originally Posted by tmise
Jiggled the key while cranking and it started. Not sure what the CPS is but I'm sure I could handle replacing it if need be. Left key in the ignition today to reset it to car. Saw that on another forum. Then I will take out the fuel pump relay and make sure it's contacts are in good shape. My hope right now is that the ignition switch isn't going bad.
Good Stuff

Just to note its not the contact pins as such on the relay, you have to remove the plastic cover and check inside the relasy on the small spring contacts.
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Old Mar 26, 2015 | 02:00 PM
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2003 CLK320 Cabriolet
Now I know the CPS is the crankshaft position sensor. I've had a problem on two occasions where when I gave car a lot of throttle starting off from a traffic light, the rpm's would go way up but car didn't seem to move in relation to what the engine was doing and since the rpm's went so high the car stalled out before it red lined. Wonder if that is possibly related to the CPS possibly having problems? Both times when I did that and the car stalled, the check engine light would come on and car would start back up right away, no cranking and cranking. After a day the check engine light would go off. That happened twice, wonder if it's related to what happened the other day when it would crank like crazy but wouldn't start? Maybe worth just replacing it anyway to eliminate that as the problem?
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