Intermittent starting problem -E240
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Intermittent starting problem -E240
hi guys, i have a strange problem at the moment were the car does not want to complete a full crank and actually get the motor running.
On a cold start it's fine but usually it happens after it has been sitting for a few hours, (3-4times now in the last few days.) were you turn the key and it just cranks and no fire. The remedy so far has been wait 5-10mins try again and it works.
i have had some people suggest it's the crank angle sensor? and that it's possibly staying warm etc?
has anyone incurred such a problem, it doesn't registered any "malfunctions" on the instrument cluster either.
On a cold start it's fine but usually it happens after it has been sitting for a few hours, (3-4times now in the last few days.) were you turn the key and it just cranks and no fire. The remedy so far has been wait 5-10mins try again and it works.
i have had some people suggest it's the crank angle sensor? and that it's possibly staying warm etc?
has anyone incurred such a problem, it doesn't registered any "malfunctions" on the instrument cluster either.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,461
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From: Baltimore MD
MB, BMW
yeah happens to me to. 97 e420. doesnt happen on a cold engine, but when i drive a bit, let the car sit for a few hours and then try to start her again. takes 4-5 seconds of cranking to fire her up. why?
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 112
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From: South San Francisco, CA
2001 E320 Sport
Ya crank position sensor sounds like culprit. There is another thread I think I saw here or another Mercedes forum that has pictures of the general location of it. It is a simple DIY job to replace but it is a little bit of a pain to get at since it is down on the engine near the driver side firewall (I think it was suggested to go underneath the car versus the top). Do a search here for that thread.
I had that problem sort of (started up fine when cold but restarting an hour or so later would take a few starts), but it turned out my battery was just weak. I replaced my battery (via roadside service) and my car is okay. Interestingly enough, that "Teleaid SOS" malfunction light that sometimes comes on has not came on ever since. Anyway if you want to avoid replacing that sensor check to make sure your battery has enough volts in it and if it's okay, then it is most likely that crank sensor. The sensor and the battery (assuming you buy a Mercedes battery) cost around same price. Around $130 or so I think.
Hopefully that helps.
I had that problem sort of (started up fine when cold but restarting an hour or so later would take a few starts), but it turned out my battery was just weak. I replaced my battery (via roadside service) and my car is okay. Interestingly enough, that "Teleaid SOS" malfunction light that sometimes comes on has not came on ever since. Anyway if you want to avoid replacing that sensor check to make sure your battery has enough volts in it and if it's okay, then it is most likely that crank sensor. The sensor and the battery (assuming you buy a Mercedes battery) cost around same price. Around $130 or so I think.
Hopefully that helps.
