CLK-Class (W209) 2003 on: CLK 270 CDI, CLK 200K, CLK 200 CGI, CLK 240, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

2004 CLK 500 Dies and Won't Start

Old Jan 23, 2024 | 04:29 PM
  #1  
cherishzm's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
CLK 500
2004 CLK 500 Dies and Won't Start

Hello.

I have a 2004 CLK 500 with 50k miles that died while driving on a highway yesterday afternoon. I drove it for a couple hours without any issues earlier then suddenly, it won't respond to gas pedal and and died eventually on a side of the road. I tried to start it and it turned over, but didn't start even when the engine cooled down. Fuel level is about 1/2 and I never had an issue with starting the car in the past (owned it for a year).

I had it towed home and found the Crankshaft Position Sensor is a common problem and symptoms are similar. With the information on this forum, I was able to replace it just about an hour ago and hoped it'd fix the issue, but it does the same - it turns over but won't start. By the way, I noticed the old CPS was kind of wet when I pulled it out.

Now, what should be the next thing to check??

Any help would be appreciated!
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2024 | 12:49 AM
  #2  
gaazmon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Bad CPS wouldn't cause the car to shut off mid-drive, but probably was a good idea to replace anyway since they all go bad eventually. Were the electronics still functioning normally just no power to the pedal? It may be your fuel sender unit (Under rear drivers seat) or fuel pump unit (Under rear passenger seat). Also, I'd check the fuel pump fuse at the rear fuse box in the trunk to make sure it isn't burnt/shorted.
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2024 | 10:54 AM
  #3  
cherishzm's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
CLK 500
Originally Posted by gaazmon
Bad CPS wouldn't cause the car to shut off mid-drive, but probably was a good idea to replace anyway since they all go bad eventually. Were the electronics still functioning normally just no power to the pedal? It may be your fuel sender unit (Under rear drivers seat) or fuel pump unit (Under rear passenger seat). Also, I'd check the fuel pump fuse at the rear fuse box in the trunk to make sure it isn't burnt/shorted.
Thanks for the reply!

Yes, electronics were still functioning properly but suddenly no power to the pedal. Since it died, it still cranks but no start. I did check the fuel pump fuse and it's still fine. Do I need to check the fuel pump relay as well? Not sure how to check it.

Is there only one fuel pump in the car? I bought the car last spring and did find records of fuel sending unit and fuel pump replaced by MB dealer about 11 months ago due to fuel sending unit leaking fuel onto fuel tank. I think it could be still covered under repair warranty if there's only one fuel pump / fuel sending unit and if indeed that's what failed.


Last edited by cherishzm; Jan 24, 2024 at 11:24 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 24, 2024 | 06:34 PM
  #4  
gaazmon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
Originally Posted by cherishzm
Thanks for the reply!

Yes, electronics were still functioning properly but suddenly no power to the pedal. Since it died, it still cranks but no start. I did check the fuel pump fuse and it's still fine. Do I need to check the fuel pump relay as well? Not sure how to check it.

Is there only one fuel pump in the car? I bought the car last spring and did find records of fuel sending unit and fuel pump replaced by MB dealer about 11 months ago due to fuel sending unit leaking fuel onto fuel tank. I think it could be still covered under repair warranty if there's only one fuel pump / fuel sending unit and if indeed that's what failed.
MBZ calls them both sender units, but from what I know, the one behind the passenger is the actual "pump" and the one behind the driver is the sender. So from what I remember, the sender sends out the fuel to the engine and once that drivers side gets low, the level sensor will detect and advise the pump on the passenger side to send more fuel from that side of the fuel tank to the drivers side of the tank. They have different part numbers and look different.

Driver's side: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/2094701394

Passenger side: https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/2094700294

Usually they have 12 months warranty. Not sure if it applies when ownership changes hands, but it should since factory MB warranties are transferrable.
Reply

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

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:51 PM.

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