I have a '94 C280 and won't start when hot.
I replace the ignition switch, check trx switch, battery, starter and still have the same problem; after running about 15-20 min it won't start again, unless you let the engine cool down for about 20-40 min (depends on the outside temperature).
Note: if I "push" the starter it will start with no problem. That tells me that is an electrical problem (switch which will shut down the starting circuit)
Can anybody help with this issue?
Thank You!

 

hi, check to see if there is a crank shaft postion senser on your C280, if there is replace it and see if that does the trick!!

 

Thanks,
but I can start the car as many times as I want when cold, and if you leave it running for about 30 min. and stop the engine it won't start again; it won't even crank, nothing, dead. I have lights, everything works but the engine. If I power the starter, it will start, no problem.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

hi, the reason i said about the crank shaft postion senser was because a friend of mine has an e class merc and the exact same thing happened to his, when the engine was cold the car would run fine for about 25 mins and then just die and it would not sart again untill the engine was cold. im not sure if your car has one of does sensers but we changed it in his and the car has been trouble free since.

 

My car won't die; you can drive it for 10 hrs if you want. After you stop the engine it won't start again when warm.

 

paulie is probably right. that engine should be a 112 v6 if so it is a very good chance that the crank sensor is the problem. when the car is being started it needs the crank sensor to find Top Dead Center for cylinder one so it can time the ignition and injectors properly, once the vehicle starts, other sensors and the control module take over. after the crank sensor is hot the wires in the sensor expand and short to each other, when the vehicle cools down the wires contract and are no longer touching. the location of the sensor --- assuming u have an american vehicle, stand on the left side of the car looking under the hood at the back of the engine where the flywheel is u should see a black sensor close to the trans bell housing. it is held on by a boly that will require an E8 socket. its kinda tight to get to, good luck.

 

THank you!
I will replace the crank sensor, and will see what gonna happen.
The C 280 I own has a in line 6 cyl, but I don't think will be a problem to locate the sensor...
Thank you again for your help.

 

i didnt even look at the year of the vehicle, my bad. the 112 wasnt out yet so it has a 104. i personally havent replaced near as many crank sensors in a 104 but i guess its worth a shot. make sure to check if u can return the sensor if it doesnt fix it. also i dont know if its in the exact location i described for the v6 or if the bolt is an e8. but good luck