help! - 1998 e320 awd stalls
11-13-2011, 09:39 AM
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2005 cdi
help! - 1998 e320 awd stalls
Hello all,
I have a 1998 E320 that stalls and generally will start after sitting for a bit. The problem used to occur on the hottest days of the summer so it was tolerable (happening once or twice a month). However, last week it seemed to happen about every 30-60 minutes of driving over a long trip. It appears to have the classic CPS symptoms.
I am guessing that the problem is electrical. No codes are thrown - ever. Upon reading some other threads, I was hoping that it might be a CPS, but the CPS is replaced and no change.
It seems like the engine computer is now the possible root cause. I have another one, but am windering if it is a possible diy replacement. It seems like I may have issues with the ignition key encryption with the new computer and may need dealer programming.
So I ask the forum 2 questions-
1) Any ideas on the source of my problem, or any common causes that I am overlooking?
2) Anyone know if I can replace the engine computer as a DIY?
The car has 150K miles.
Thanks in advance.
kurtis103
I have a 1998 E320 that stalls and generally will start after sitting for a bit. The problem used to occur on the hottest days of the summer so it was tolerable (happening once or twice a month). However, last week it seemed to happen about every 30-60 minutes of driving over a long trip. It appears to have the classic CPS symptoms.
I am guessing that the problem is electrical. No codes are thrown - ever. Upon reading some other threads, I was hoping that it might be a CPS, but the CPS is replaced and no change.
It seems like the engine computer is now the possible root cause. I have another one, but am windering if it is a possible diy replacement. It seems like I may have issues with the ignition key encryption with the new computer and may need dealer programming.
So I ask the forum 2 questions-
1) Any ideas on the source of my problem, or any common causes that I am overlooking?
2) Anyone know if I can replace the engine computer as a DIY?
The car has 150K miles.
Thanks in advance.
kurtis103
Last edited by kurtis103; 11-13-2011 at 10:13 AM.
11-13-2011, 11:10 AM
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98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
The codes most of us talk about are the OBD codes which refer to the components of the emission control systems. The MB specific codes for the ECU, transmission, etc must be read with a Star Diagnostic Computer.
The car uses a CAN bus to communicate with various electrical components. Exchanging those components such as the ECU, instrument cluster, etc require reprogramming or recoding the equipment -- again with STAR.
Have the car scanned to help determine the cause of the problem rather than guessing. Much cheaper
The car uses a CAN bus to communicate with various electrical components. Exchanging those components such as the ECU, instrument cluster, etc require reprogramming or recoding the equipment -- again with STAR.
Have the car scanned to help determine the cause of the problem rather than guessing. Much cheaper
11-13-2011, 03:20 PM
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I should have been clear - I have read the OBD codes - and there is no info. I have not had the MB Star diagnostics read.
I do most anything to avoid going to the stealer. Are there other tools to read the MB Star codes, or only the dealer?
Thanks
I do most anything to avoid going to the stealer. Are there other tools to read the MB Star codes, or only the dealer?
Thanks
11-13-2011, 04:43 PM
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98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
If you are in a metro area, you may be able to find an indy with the SDS. The codes produced are more cryptic than the OBD codes so some interpretation is usually necessary.
There are many reasons why an engine stalls and when you add the ECU which is constantly looking for ideal conditions it gets difficult.
There are many reasons why an engine stalls and when you add the ECU which is constantly looking for ideal conditions it gets difficult.
11-14-2011, 08:29 PM
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Richard,
FYI
I stopped by the dealer today and inquired about reading the MB Star diagnostics. The dealer noticed my OBD code reader on the seat of the car and indicated that if there were no OBD codes then they could not take my money to read the Star codes because there would not be any useful information.
My only alternative (which I declined) was to leave the car there, they would let it idle in the lot and read the codes when/if it stalls. I am not yet ready for that.
kurtis103
FYI
I stopped by the dealer today and inquired about reading the MB Star diagnostics. The dealer noticed my OBD code reader on the seat of the car and indicated that if there were no OBD codes then they could not take my money to read the Star codes because there would not be any useful information.
My only alternative (which I declined) was to leave the car there, they would let it idle in the lot and read the codes when/if it stalls. I am not yet ready for that.
kurtis103
