Strange Starting Problem - 03 E500
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
2003 E500
Strange Starting Problem - 03 E500
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.
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
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).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
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.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 612
Likes: 2
From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
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!
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!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
2003 E500
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!
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!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
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.
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.
Last edited by vettdvr; Nov 30, 2007 at 08:15 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 755
Likes: 2
From: USA
LS7 powered Corvette
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
Likes: 32
From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
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:
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.
Thanks to all that are helping out!
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.
Thanks to all that are helping out!
Last edited by Flash Gordon; Dec 4, 2007 at 08:30 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: chicago
2004 e500
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?
