I have a 94 C280 where my car has an inconsistent starting problem. If the car starts, the car runs normally with no apparent problem signs. On other occasions, the car will not start but shows signs of wanting too. After a few minutes, it would start. Doing some searches on different forums I seem to have narrowed it down to these probable causes.. In addition, there are no codes present.

Fuel Pump
Fuel filter
Fuel Pump Relay
Crankshaft Position Sensor

Does anyone have any experience with similar issues. Where are these items located?

 

Hi,

I have the exact same problem in my 99 C280. At seemingly random times it will not start. It turns over strongly as if it will start, but it doesn't. See my post "Will Not Start" on 5/31/06. One respondent recommended taking it to the dealership.

I had the fuel filter changed but the problem came back. Please let me know if you learn anything else.

Regards,

Rick

 

Hi Again,

My 99 C280 did it again yesterday, more than once. Actually shut off while idling and would not start for almost 2 hours. I finally brought it to the dealership. They will run the computer on it for an hour to see if they can figure it out. The "Service Adviser" said it could be the crank position sensor, but his first guess was water in the fuel. In any case stay tuned, I'll let you know what they say. Have you had any success on your end?

Rick

 

I have a 99' C280 - I have owned for approximately 2 years. The first 1.5 years that I owned my Benz I had the same problem - it was difficult to predict when the problem would show up, but it usually happened at a bad time. At any rate, I brought my car to the dealer and they stated that it may be an ignition problem. To address the problem, I purchased a new "key" - this did not fix the problem. About 6 months ago, I tried to start my Benz and the same problem occured. Normally, she would fire up after waiting 5 or 10 minutes - no luck. I figured I was going to have to get a tow; however, a co-worker of mine suggested we try a jump. Sure enough - it was the battery. The MB tech stated that it is pretty common for batteries to go out after approximately 5 years. Since I purchased the battery, I have only had 1 or 2 issues. The battery may not have completely fixed the issue, but it sure helped - Good Luck!!

 

ok try a overvoltage proction relay its under the black cover in your engine compartment it usually has a red top with a clear cover on the top. if the car isnt starting just tap it with a screw driver. it should start.

 

Hey Est,

Dealer analysis was the Crank Position Sensor. Replaced and it's worked so far. $345.56, $132 for the sensor and 2 hours of labor for $194 plus tax. Ouch.

And for all those saying you have to bring it to the dealer to get the correct analysis, everything is relative. After detailed explanations of my non-starting problem to the dealership "service adviser", I get a call telling me "my intermittent cranking problem is a bad battery". When I pointed out I didn't have an "intermittent cranking" problem, he said "well, you had to jump it". I said what the heck are you talking about, I never jumped the car, he apologized and said he would get with the tech again.

They finally figured out the battery amps were low enough so they could not get any code readings. When they hooked up a new battery the Crank Position Sensor code came right up. At least that's what they told me.

Regards

 

lies that guy is full of ****. well only time will tell. if i were you tell him to put a overvoltage protection relay in the glove box and you will install it when it wont start.

 

I just did a post under "Wont Start" title. I have same prob on 99 C 280. I have an independent MB mechanic looking at it now. Its been a week and he just experienced the prob. Did the overvoltage or crank position sensor resolve your problems??

 

Ok I have a 97' C280 with the straight 6 in it. I cant figure why it doesnt want to start it turns over but doesnt run. It is getting spark, and I tried spraying starting fluid in the throttle body but to no avail. I am at a loss cananyone give me any suggestions I need to get this car running ASAP.

just a quick story about what happened, it has 101K miles, I was driving and at idle it shut off on me. It started right back up and I continued driving it to get home on my way it died again but this time it wouldnt run. I 'ordered a new crank sensor but I not 100% sure thats the problem since I thought the sensor controlled spark and Im getting spark. please help...

 

Check your battery may be low or bad, thats a quick check/fix. the new battery fixed my problem. Did you check for codes? I had a simular problem read my thread from 16 oct 13. Controller Area network.