not_guilty

Hello, everyone:

My 2004 Mercedes E320 is sick . She has at least two problems:

(1) A few weeks ago I went hiking here in LA, got back to my car, and tried to start my car. The engine cranked but would not turn over. I cranked the engine a few times and finally it started. The check engine light came on. After that, the car would start fine and the light went out.

I experienced this same problem a few more times. I brought my car to the mechanic, and he said the battery was fine. Last week I went hiking again and the car would not turn over for anything. I called AAA, and the tech said the battery was fine, but it started once he jumped it. I replaced the battery, as it was getting old anyway.

Today I parked my car on the street and went into a restaurant. When I came out (with a brand new battery in), it wouldn't turn over. It finally did, and I went home.

I have seen a lot of talk on here about a "crankshaft position sensor." Does anyone think this might be the problem? How can I diagnose it? I plan to bring my car back to the mechanic soon.

(2) The second problem is that two of the lights went out on the rear of my car (one license plate light and one third brake light). The mechanic replaced them, and they were still out. Now the electronic trunk opener doesn't work. The mechanic thinks this is an electrical problem. Does anyone have the slightest clue what type of problem, lest the mechanic pull all the wires out to find out?

Any help anyone would have would be SO gratefully appreciated!!! I'm desperate at this point!

jimbo1763

As to number 2-

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ate-lamps.html

not_guilty

Thank you so much! I was picturing my mechanic taking all the wires out of my car with dollar signs in his eyes....

jimbo1763

As to #1-

You would be well served to get any codes read by someone with a Star system for doing so. The dealer will have that, and some indies do as well. Otherwise, you may end up throwing parts at the problem unnecessarily.

As to the CPS issue-my recollection is that it manifests on a hot engine, and that one of the telling symptoms is that you let the car cool down and it starts right up. Yours sounds like the flip of that. Ergo-the recommendation to read codes, especially since your check engine light did in fact come on.

not_guilty

Thank you! I'm going to bring my car to my independent shop tomorrow and see if he has a code reader.

jimbo1763

He will certainly have a reader, but it may not be Star.

Some places like AutoZone will read the codes for you for free. But again, not Star.

not_guilty

Do I have to use a Star reader, or will the others work?

jimbo1763

Start with a good reader and go from there if you don't have access to an MB system.

not_guilty

I just went to Pep Boys to have them read the codes on my car, and sure enough, P0335/Crankshaft Position Sensor came up. I'm going to bring my car to my independent mechanic to have it replaced. Does anyone know if there is anything else that would cause this code to come up? Is replacement the solution or could it just be a symptom of another problem?

Thanks!

06E5004ME

CPS dying is common with higher mileage cars. They just fail, simple as that. I just had to replace mine. Don't worry, as far as I know, just replace it and you will be good to go. It is also a fairly easy procedure, taking between 15-20min to replace.

Also, 99.99% of the time, you don't need a Star reader as any OBDII reader will read codes just fine. I get mine read at local Autozone/Advance Auto Parts if I am in a hurry.

not_guilty

Thank you. I'm bringing my car to the mechanic today. Hopefully she's back to health soon!