Hello all,

This is my first time posting as I have a starting issue with my car. So please bear with me as I am at my wits end with this. I have former garage queen 04 E320 here in South FL with approx 49,200 miles on it. The car began having starting problems about 2 weeks ago with no warning lights. I thought it was the key fob as I have an original one and a new updated one which I switch up from time to time. But every so often it would take 2 tries and it would turn over. I thought maybe it was the battery. After attending to a hectic 2 week schedule I prepared to take the car to my mechanic. But my luck ran out and could not get the car to start. I had it towed to the shop. When the car was lowered into a parking spot it started up with no issues. Interestingly the car stayed at the shop for 4 days as my mechanic waited to see if the problem would arise but it didn't. Well after picking up the car after work on day 5, I parked it in the driveway. But I got back in the car after 15 min to run an errand for my wife. And would you believe the car acted up again? This time a check engine light came on and had enough time to drive the car back to the shop where my mechanic waited. Upon my arrival a hand held device was used to determine the cause of the problem. Faulty crankshaft position sensor. The sensor was replaced and after 48 hours of installation there were no problems. However, after coming in from a 30 minute drive on day 3 after the installation the problem started up again. The battery is reportedly operational and charging well at 780 CC.

So what gives? I am gonna take it back to the mechanic. But I would like to know if anyone else other than myself has had such a problem and what you did to resolve it? I am wondering if it is the actual starter that is the other problem or another sensor. Any responses will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Please clarify. When it is having starting problems, does it crank or not? Are there dashboard lights on?

 

And-was the CPS replacement OEM, or was it another brand? Sometimes off-brand replacements can be deficient.

 

Hello and thank you for the replies. What occurs is when I turn the key fob to the start position there is no crank. And the lights on the dashboard are on during the start process but again no crank. I do it twice then the car starts. As for the sensor that was replaced I do not know if it is OEM. The mechanic did inform me that the sensor has a 2 year warranty.

 

Your may need it scanned by a Mercedes DAS system to drill down into it. The dealer will have that, as will some independent shops-but otherwise you may be in the position of just throwing parts at it.

In the meantime, though, trying cleaning out the area where the key goes in. It may be as simple as dust or lint preventing a clean signal.

 

Thank you. I will explore further with my mechanic about the DAS system. I will also explore the ignition switch.

 

I've been having this issues for a while. I just found out today that all I had to do was apply a little pressure to the key while starting. Worked like a charm a few times in a row.