GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

2008 GL550 Engine Stalls, starts while driving

Old Jul 18, 2020 | 02:03 AM
  #1  
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1999 CL500, 2008 GL550
Exclamation 2008 GL550 Engine Stalls, starts while driving

I have a 2008 GL 550 that has a problem that FREAKS ME OUT. While driving (any speed) during warmup or while warm, the engine stalls and all of the dash lights come on, then the engine starts back on its own with all of the lights turning right off. This happens randomly and it drives me cRaZy.
Has anyone experienced this and if remedied, how did you diagnose and repair? No codes. Please help!
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Old Jul 18, 2020 | 10:33 AM
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Random electrical gremlins are often caused by water intrusion, shorting out the sensitive electronics under the front passenger seat and in the rear spare tire well. That be the first thing I’d check.
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Max Blast
Random electrical gremlins are often caused by water intrusion, shorting out the sensitive electronics under the front passenger seat and in the rear spare tire well. That be the first thing I’d check.
This happened to me today about 1-2 miles after driving over water in the road. Will it fix itself or do I need to take it apart to air out and replace components?
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Old Nov 25, 2021 | 07:15 PM
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Are you absolutely certain that the engine actually shuts off and starts itself… It could just be an intermittent electrical problem caused by water intrusion that gives the appearance of the engine shutting off by the tachometer going to zero as well as all the other gauges going to zero or blanking out. If the engine actually shut off while you’re driving you would lose power steering as well as that’s one way to be sure.
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Old Nov 26, 2021 | 07:54 AM
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Vehicle shuts down while driving

I was driving yesterday... I drove over some water on the street and about a mile down the road, the vehicle shuts off. All the lights on the dash stayed on but the vehicle would not start back and had to get it towed to the house. This morning I tried starting it again but nothing... Not even a click. Just all of the lights on the dash is on. Where should I start looking? Might it be a blown or shorted fuse somewhere maybe?
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Old Nov 27, 2021 | 05:51 PM
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Vehicle shuts off while driving

Hello everyone,
I have been reading these threads but I see that everyone's vehicle shut down was temporary until maybe the vehicle cools down then it can start back up. In my case, I was driving in the rain, drove over about 6 inches of water on the road at about 20-30mph. About 1 1/2 miles down the street, the vehicle just went dead but all the dash lights stayed on as it coasted to a stop. It tried to start it back but nothing so I had to get a tow truck and this was 2 days ago. Yesterday and today I tried starting it but nothing, just the dash lights come on. No click, no starter trying to crank nothing. I even tried to jump it in case it was the battery but nothing. Can anyone please help me?

Thanks,
Chris
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Old Nov 30, 2021 | 04:05 PM
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Ok, try this....open the Hood ,.and remove front engine cover,..then double check if the back engine cover that has the air filters and hoses attached is securely down pressed in place and has the back metal clamp securely locking it in place,...the clamp can be located arround the Maf senson or Mass,air.flow sensor,.kinda looks like a clothes hanger wire...double check that...and let me know if that helps
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Old Dec 1, 2021 | 06:35 AM
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Have you checked the fuses? If you are not getting a click or any indication of trying to start, that's the first place to look. Search the forum for the fuse chart.

Does your vehcile have the splash shield? If not, you may have shorted out your starter by driving through the water.

Check for water intrusion in the spare tire area, and inspect the rear SAM.
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Old Dec 1, 2021 | 06:29 PM
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Based on your situation I would measure the voltage at the starter to be sure I am getting power. It's possible that driving over water may have done a number on it, as @Miguk_Saram said. The fuses are an easy item to eliminate as well.
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