I was idling in stopped traffic when the engine suddenly shut off yesterday. Engine will turn over but will not fire. The Service Engine light is not lit. There is a small red light next to the headlamp switch which is on. I wondered if this was an alarm LED though the owners manual does not show any indicator there. I did use the key in the passenger door and trunk to shut off any potential alarm, but with no effect. Any suggestions on what might cause this? The battery is strong and there is fuel in the tank. This is a 1997 C280 with automatic transmission. I had it since May. It is my first Mercedes and I have been very pleased with it prior to this incident.

 

After it was towed and sat 24 hours, I tried restarting and it is starting fine. Another day later and it still starts fine. The red light goes out when I start it. Any idea what that light is for or what I should look at to prevent the sudden engine shut off in the future. I am reluctant to move it now.

 

install a new crank position sensor...sounds like to me. if not replace it anyway because someday youll need one. the symptoms of those are engine hot car wont start...engine cools down engine will start.
as far as the light goes.... could it be that you have the light switch turned to the side street parking position? the positions with the arrows pointing left and right?

 

Yup,

Sounds like a default crank sensor, Agreed with what Chassis221 said.

Let us know your findings

rockerfella174

 

Thank you for the advice. I'll do that. I just ordered the Bentley Printers service manual for this vehicle (1200+ pages). I hope that will be helpful for future maintenance. I drove this car to work today (15 miles) without issue, but I will replace the crank sensor by this weekend. I appreciate your help.

 

Just noticed an error in the model year, it is 1999 not 1989. Sorry, but that doesn't change the helpful advice.

 

NEED HELP ALSO....my 99 c280 cuts off while idling and has trouble restarting...changed fuel pump TWICE within year....and now fuel sensor...still same problem...battery is good...244,348 miles on and now check engine light on...don't want to get rid of this beauty...Mechanic says maybe just needs tune up...THOUGHTS??