flat6

Hey Gang,

My '03 E500 is exhibiting a really strange problem lately (35k miles, orig owner). It has absolutely no problems during a cold start, but when trying to restart after sitting for about 30 minutes (engine still warm), the starter spins as normal but it doesn't catch. It will take three or four attempts to finally get it to start, after which the check engine light will stay on until an additional 4 more starts occurs (light then goes off). Car runs normally after starting - no hesitation or power loss whatsoever. Symptom started about 4 weeks ago. Anyone else experience a "hard" start condition when warm?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

csumt76

crankshaft position sensor... done deal.

gnma

Wow! Awesome answer!

I'm trying to learn some DIY of the E500. Flat 6 mentioned he was getting the ck. eng. light. With an OBD II scanner, he could pull codes and determine his problem correct?

(Now I'm gonna search for cps and see how to change it just for my knowledge. Good luck flat 6 and tks csumt76).

vettdvr

If the starter is spinning but the engine is not turning over the starter is not engaging the fly wheel. Solenoid or starter drive would be where I would look. If it is turning the engine then could be cps.

csumt76

That is absolutely right, but a problem with the starter will not give a check engine light.

I have seen a couple instances where a bad camshaft position sensor will not allow the engine to start. In every case, the check engine light was also illuminated. The reason that I say crankshaft position sensor, is because of the relation to heat.

For ****s, you can remove it and test it. Put an ohm meter on the two pins of the sensor and heat it up with a heat gun. You should read around 1200ohms resistance through the winding. Once the sensor gets hot enough, you will get an open circuit which would make your engine not start or die while running.

The fault code will associated with the light will pin point the problem easily.

flat6

Thanks guys, gotta be the CPS. Anyone have a pic from the manual for installation?

Thx

konigstiger

Picture is not detailed however, you can get an idea of where the 'crankshaft position sender unit' is located - A0031532728 optional with A0031532828, part number(s) can be confirmed with VIN when ordering.

flat6

doggonebruno

wow @csumt76, you must be one of those greasemonkeys (and i say that with all due respect, my daddy is one) that could tell the problem of a car just by listening to it idling. nice.

gnma

I'm impressed with the DIY techhie folks on this MB forum. Hope to be like them too (one day). Thank you for your contributions.

If you can DIY just as effectively as the dealer, why go to 'em? In fact, the wrench-handy owner will prolly do a better job bec. its his car...

flat6, keep us posted and good luck!

gnma

flat6

has your warranty expired?

flat6

10-4 on the warranty expiration - lost that puppy back in May. Fortunately the dealer just recently resolved a few lingering problems, no charge, that weren't solved at my recent November service. These were:

Ticking command unit: the single cd would just randomly start going through a fit on its own. The dealer should have replaced this unit since day one, but instead opted to "update software" about 2,000 times. One time they call it "normal function". Yeah, if loud ticking in the middle of a song is normal, please advise. New unit now in and problem solved.

Binding in steering: again a long standing complaint, finally resolved with a replacement of the airbag sensor wire, which was wrapping around itself while turning.

Misaligned center console ashtray, again a long standing complaint since day #2. Attempted fixes for the last 6 service visits over 4 years. Now resolved at a 95% accuracy level.

Wheel Clearcoat erosion - around center cap area of three of my wheels, clearcoat is losing it. MB declined warranty citing "washing techniques". Dealer kindly replaced worst wheel as act of good faith. Funny, the washing techniques on my other two Porsches apparently haven't resulted in a meltdown of those rims, but hey, maybe I'm just a screw up.

I think most of the kinks are starting to get worked out at this point. After the CPS that is....

Thanks to all that are helping out!

vettdvr

You are correct,, I missed the check engine light. Did the CPS fix the problem

csumt76

something like that...

Tariq

I had the same and two sensors requierd, and check the coils too...

Flash Gordon

I have the exact same problem with my wheels and my stealership service manager at Millenium told me the same crap about car wash chemicals! I showed the incompetent manager about the some forum members got their wheels replaced under warranty, he laughed it off by saying the stories from forum members are not for real! I wish this fellow would read this thread to see whether it is for real! For some unexplainable fluke, the Millenium got some kind of service award from MB. What a joke! I went to Ray Catena for service because of the repeated visits to Millenium for the same problems and they got an award from MB for good service. Now you know why the MB service is lousy.

vik vaughn

I am having the same problem with my 2004 e500. I only drive it on the weekends and it has been driving just fine. Then one evening it wouldn't starter after a few attempts it came on with the check engine light on also. Does anyone know how much the stealership will charge to fix this issue?

1stmbnothappy

I'm having the same problem and have changed the cps twice