Late

Does anyone know where this thing is located? I just got my car back from the dealer and they didn't change it because it wasn't throwing a code... I've read some posts saying to look between the firewall and drivers side valve covers but i cant find it.

any help would be appreciated... i hate having to disconnect the battery every time this happens...

HemiTom

It is behind the driver's side cylinder bank near the bellhousing.

Late

Any tips on how to get at it? Should I be trying to change it from under the hood or should i get under the car?

HemiTom

Work Instructions

NOTE: Remove Air cleaner (engine side).

Crankshaft position sensor to engine block - 8 N.m

NOTE: If the crankshaft position sensor (L5) was replaced, a re-initialization must be carried out with STAR DIAGNOSIS in the menu item control module adaptations.

JamesC32

I changed mine from underneith, it was a b#@$h though, it is located at the top drivers hand side of the bell housing, on the motor..

Late

so you need the star programmer if you are replacing it yourself?

HemiTom

You are supposed to do a relearn with a compatible scanner. My Snap On scanner has this function. I have never tried to replace one without doing a relearn.

Late

Thanks for the info. I didn't have access to a scanner so i brought it to a local mechanic. changed 100 bucks. i actually noticed that changing the CPS cured my rough idle which is an added bonus!!

HemiTom

Good to hear! You got a twofer!

BSR Music

is it mandatory that a star system code this after i replace? Not interested in paying a mechanic for something I can do because I am also having that issue.

Car died this morning after only operating for about 20 minutes. 20 minutes later it cranked up... got me home. Turned ignition off... tried to start back up. no luck. 20 min or so... started back up..
After reading all these post, I found the sensor, removed looked at. blew out little bit, then plugged back up. Cranked up..after another regular temp is reached.. I turn off then try start again. Not firing up.

I am assuming it is indeed the CPS so will replace and buy an spare. Only had this e320 for 5 days and already this. You would think with a 59k new price tag, the company could do better than this. I bet the heat from the engine encourages this to happen somehow in the sensor. Overall pleased with the car. After all , it's my 1st "used" Benz


"Par for the course"

tkkben

I have a 2004 SL500 and I have the same problem about stalling when the engine is hot. But, I can't locate the sensor in the back of the engine on the driver side. Would it be easier to look under the car as suggested by JamesC32.

HemiTom

It's WAY in the back of the engine just below the left cylinder head and near the bellhousing.

tkkben

Thank you. Finally got it. 'Just below' the cyulinder head (I was looking further down before). I can only feel it with my finger. It took me about 20 minutes to change from above, no need to go under the car. Just be careful not dropping the mounting screw.

BSR Music

I must have gotten a bad "new CPS because mine wont crank with the new one in. Gee the trouble the Benz have inst worth owning in my opinion. You would think for a 59k car, MB could do better than this.

HemiTom

If it truly won't "crank", it has nothing to do with the crank sensor.

BSR Music

@HemiTom it wil crank (turn over & fire up) with the old one in.. but the new one ( a Duralast ) from Autozone wont work for some reason. replacing today with a different brand.

HemiTom

Try a Standard brand or Borg Warner brand.

BSR Music

Thanks HemiTom... Will do.

BSR Music

Replace with yet another brand sensor (Import Direct) and it fired right up.
No need for a Star coder and saved myself a buttload of cash. Amazing what you can learn from others who had the same issues. Although I did rev up for 20 sec at 3ooo rpm as someone suggested, it seem to work just fine. Interstate @ 70 mph..after a few miles all is smooth. -

MORAL of the Story - If you are calm enough, you can save money. Although I do recommend original parts, I will definitely buy a spare and keep the old.

TIPS - To keep from losing the star bolt, attach a thread to it for saftey in case it is dropped.
TOOLS NEEDED - E8 socket - 2 extentions and ratchet. Viola! Success!

Thanks to OhLord - Hemi Tom & Musikman for the guidance

Replacement part - http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...eyword=19-0462

SteveHolt

What tools did you use to remove it? I have the e8 torx socket and an 8" extension and can't seem to get at it good enough to loosen it

Disney86

For the benefit of future readers, I just replaced the CPS on my 2003 SL500 and the first step after you remove the air cleaner assembly is to remove one of the zip ties. (Picture below) Doing so will allow you to move the bundled wires to one side and expose the sensor. Also the E8 torx head bolt that mounts the sensor to the engine points up at a 45 degree angle so you need to be mindful of that when you are trying to get the E8 torx socket to engage that bolt head. Before you remove the bolt tuck some shop towels down in those places that it would likely land if you drop it.https://mbworld.org/forums/images/attach/jpg.gif

benzgirlva

Is there any video online or good pictures to show how to change this? The dealer said 250 and I would really like to at least attempt to change it myself before I give in to the dealer. I have no clue of what I'm doing but need to save the money..any help is greatly appreciated. I have a 2003 SL500..thanks

Disney86

On your car to get the hood to stand vertically you need to release one latch on the driver's side as opposed to two latches as shown in this video. Very simple procedure to perform. Be sure to remove the zip tie as mentioned in my previous post or otherwise you will not see the sensor at all.

fixitguy63

I have replaces the cps on a 04 e320 and it cuts out twice then dies. Ive tried to use my Autell and my Snap On modis ultra to reset and relearn but ive tried several ways but no luck . Im doing something wrong but cat figure it out.