HELP PLEASE - CLK500 starting problem
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 236
Likes: 1
From: New York City
'14 E550
HELP PLEASE - CLK500 starting problem
Hi guys. My car is having this wierd starting problem. When I tried starting the car it would crank but not start. I tried starting it about 2-3 times and it did not start. On the 4th try it started with the check engine light on. I drove it home and the car drove like normal. When I turned the car off and started it immediately after it would start right up with no check engine light on. Which is very wierd. Also after letting it rest for a while the problem would re occur. Any idea on what could cause this. Im thinking I may need a new starter?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 421
Likes: 14
From: Bay Area
2004 E500 CLK320
Get a OBDII code reader and read the fault code. Some Autozone stores lend them out for free, or you can buy one for $50-$80. I've read some people had the same problem and it turned out that the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) is faulty. It's a $40 part online from autohausaz.com. But definitely get the code read first. BTW, if the engine cranks, that means the starter is doing its job -- no problem here.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
E320, CLK500, Red C5 Corvette
This has happened to a lot of us, and it generally turns out that the CPS (crankshaft position sensor) is faulty. It's a $200 fix at the shop for a $40 part online from autohausaz.com. Good luck!
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
CLK 63 AMG
I had a similar experience. My CLK (W208) would not start yet the starter turned normally. $200 later, I had a new crank positioning sensor and reliability has been 100% since. It did seem odd that the car, after sitting 1 hour, started without issue. This was especially disappointing to the flat bed driver who lost his tow fee. I was able to drive to the shop for the repair as if nothing had happened.
Starter drag was the only warning sign I ever got that the sensor was failing.
Starter drag was the only warning sign I ever got that the sensor was failing.
