Engine shutting down
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 CLK320
Engine shutting down
Hey everybody,
Over the past couple of weeks, my engine has been shutting down. Usually, I'm either stopped at a light or rolling in traffic. As I lift off the brake and push the accelerator, all of the warning lights come on, and my engine shuts off. Radio/Air Conditioning is still running though. I have to stop the car, put it in park, and restart. That happened a few times and all seemed well. But a couple days ago, when this happened and I try to restart, my engine wouldn't catch. I was on the freeway in traffic, and ended up having to push the car to the shoulder. Only after several tries did I get it to start. After it's running, I notice that there are NO warning lights. No "Check Engines" or malfunctions.
It seems that it only happens when I'm idling; Driving at speed is always fine. The worst thing is that I never know when it'll happen. I could be stopped at light, waiting to make a right. As soon as I see space in traffic and want to go, the engine will die.
It's all rather embarassing. Anybody have any hints, comments, etc? It's a 2000 CLK320, with about 50,000 miles on it.
Thanks!
Over the past couple of weeks, my engine has been shutting down. Usually, I'm either stopped at a light or rolling in traffic. As I lift off the brake and push the accelerator, all of the warning lights come on, and my engine shuts off. Radio/Air Conditioning is still running though. I have to stop the car, put it in park, and restart. That happened a few times and all seemed well. But a couple days ago, when this happened and I try to restart, my engine wouldn't catch. I was on the freeway in traffic, and ended up having to push the car to the shoulder. Only after several tries did I get it to start. After it's running, I notice that there are NO warning lights. No "Check Engines" or malfunctions.
It seems that it only happens when I'm idling; Driving at speed is always fine. The worst thing is that I never know when it'll happen. I could be stopped at light, waiting to make a right. As soon as I see space in traffic and want to go, the engine will die.
It's all rather embarassing. Anybody have any hints, comments, etc? It's a 2000 CLK320, with about 50,000 miles on it.
Thanks!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
Looks like this is becoming more and more of a problem around here. If it only happens when the engine is warm/hot then most likely it's the Ignition Position Sensor a.ka. Crankshaft Position Sensor. Search the forums for some good threads on how to change it yourself and what part to order.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 422
Likes: 13
Yup, definitely sounds like the crankshaft position sensor. If it gets real bad (IE cuts out everytime you come to a stop when the engine is hot) you can put the car in neutral and rev the engine when you are at idle or getting there to stop it from shutting off. I figured this out driving to the dealership to get it fixed. Definitely don't do this as a temporary fix!
