seskhanski

Having a very strange starting problem with my 2005 E320. The car would crank but not start for at least two hours after I last drove. But, it starts without any problem (3) or more hours after I last drove. First, I though it was a fuel pump issue but what I can't understand is how the fuel pump issue goes away after (3) hour. Did anyone else have this problem. Any idea what the issues is here.

chassis

You are describing symptoms related to a failed or failing crankshaft position sensor. Read about it on the site and see if the threads match your experience. The CPS is located at 11 o'clock as viewed from the driver's seat, at the transmission-engine block flange connection. Low cost part, challenging replacement job. But doable.

Rockster

What others have said.

One way to (possibly) know it is a crankshaft position sensor is to observe the tach when you attempt to start the engine and the engine starts. Then whenever you subsequently start the engine pay attention to the tach. Word is if the crankshaft position sensor is bad the tach will not register any RPMs. Instead the needle will be lifeless.

seskhanski

chassis/avensis/Rockster,
Many thanks for your help on this issue. I have been tied up but plan to check the crankshaft position sensor just as you suggested.

I guess the question I have is if the crankshaft position sensor is bad, why does it work after waiting for 2 hours or so. It's not even even erratic or random. I wait for 2 hours or so and it starts back up without any problem. At first, I thought it was the fuel pump but ruled it out just because it always starts after some wait.

Best,
Rick

chassis

Failing sensors behave in unexplainable ways.