Since I purchased this car in 1998 there has been an odd occurrence sometimes when it is started. The engine will start but immediately cuts off. It will usually repeat this one more time and then on the third try the engine continues to run. This is a random problem and will not repeat with any certainty. The dealer once told me that it was the computer resetting due to seasonal changes with fuel. I believed that at the time but now I'm curious if this happens to anyone else. My E 320 has 197,000 on it and has no major issues other than this. Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

srb1194

 

try using a differnt key if you have one..could be a drive authorization problem. also try leaving the key in the ignition for a bit..5-10 seconds before starting the car..see if that makes any differnce

 

I have actually tried both keys and they both do the same thing. What else do you think it could be? What is weird to me is that its done it for over 10 years without the problem getting worse.
Thanks.
srb1194

 

Have you tried it in both Nuetral and Park? Might be the Nuetral switch on the trans, although I had an intermittant similar problem on another make and it was the ignition switch worn out (13 years) but only 109,000 miles.

 

you could try to replace the fuel filter because it has a fuel pressure regulator in it and fuel pressure will drop after sitting for awhile and will cause a hard start. the regulator keeps the fuel pressure at the fuel rail for an immediate start. when the regulator goes bad it wont hold the pressure.. then as the fuel reaches the engine it will be fine and start. just a suggestion.

 

I have not tried in neutral. It is my wife's car and that make the diagnosis that much harder as I seldom drive the car. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

In this scenario how long would the car have to sit for this to occur? Most of the time it happens after you stop the car for just a few minutes. Very confusing situation.

 

I have the same issue. 208K miles... 1998. One year old fuel filter, butter smooth idle in neutral or park... a bit rough in D... that's another issue.

Starts right back up. Odd. No issues with hard accel or moderate accel. Good gas, good air filter... newer plugs. Bizarre. Any help would be welcome.
R/
Scuddog

 

Sorry for the delay. I'm just glad to hear someone else has heard of this problem. I wonder if it is just a program issue or if it indicates some other type of trouble. I wish there was a solution.

srb1194