Hello,

I'm seeking any help from the Mercedes community. Any help is appreciated.

I have a 1998 Mercedes c280 sport.

Recently, when I come to my car (after having it parked for a few hours) it will not start at all. It trys to crank (i think that is the terminology) or it makes that sound like it is trying to start, but nothing happens. I come to it an hour later or so, it starts with no problem. This has happened 4 times now.

Also, twice now, as I was slowing down to 20 miles per hour, my car would die/turn off all of a sudden at the sudden of the moment. Again, my car would not start right away. I would come back in a couple of hours, and then it would finally start. Again, it makes the starting noises....with the crank I believe....but nothing happens.

There are no lights lit up on the dash saying that something is wrong which is strange. My car uses a weird/special key for ignition. You only have to turn it slightly to make contact and you do not have to hold it in until the car turns on. It does that automatically.

Also, I was supposed to have a A or B inspection according to my car computer. Would that be messing with my car for some odd reason? Is there a trick behind that?

Things I was think of I might need: New fuel pump, ignition switch/coil?

If you have any insight, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

Hi,

Likely the Crank Position Sensor. A sensor that determines when the spark has to occur. This is characterised by your symptoms and the factthat no diagnostics fault code is stored.

Could be other things like the "weird" ignition switch butstart with the sensor.

If car is over due for service get it serviced and have the Diagnostic Faut Codes DTC's read, recorded and reset. This will provide additional data. What codes wereshowing?

If you use an MB garage they SHOULD recognise the symptoms straightoff. Suggest you come back if the garage go straight for the Ignition switch (EXPENSIVE) with the answer to WHY do they think it is the EIS (Electronic Ignition Switch. If there is a DTC indicating this fine. If not I'd replace the CPS first (low cost) if the problem persists after the service.
Note Changing a CPS is a 5min DIY job.

Service Interval management has no logic connection to the running of the engine.

Stuart

Stuart.

 

The car is going to a mech today. It is not a certified MB shop....since the nearest place is 3 hours, but he is a MB specialist. Hopefully he will have some luck. I will keep this tread posted on the outcomes. I will mention to him to inspect the camshaft position sensor. Also, have you heard anything about replacing the k40 relay and what is a CPS. Is there a generic term for it, and what would I look for when I'm are looking for thisparts on the net?

Thanks

 

Crank position senser