1995 w202 starting problems

[furto]

Hey guys,

I have recently had problems starting my 1995 c180. I used to have this problem alot, then it just went away for about a year!

It came back a few days ago after i disconnected the battery as I needed to remove the steering wheel to replace the wiper stalk (which sort of caught on fire for some reason ).

I dont think it has anything to do with what i did at the steering wheel, its the exact same problem i had a year ago.

I have taken it to Mercedes and they ran a test, said it was the key fob giving a dodgy signal so I have a new one now. I can also confirm that the red/green lights on the mirror do not flash when i try to start it, so it is not the immobiliser.

The engine cranks but it takes ALOT of goes to get it going, could it be some old relays, sensors or maybe the fuel pump? Once it is going, it runs like a dream.

Thanks! (I will try and get some video of it next time it happens)

 

[grober]

Possible dodgy fuel pump relay or fuel filter, but beariing in mind your recent steering wheel incident I WOULD BE LOOKING AT THE IGNITION SWITCH.

 

[furto]

Ok great thanks I'll look into it, also i have read that the crankshaft position sensor could be an issue? Anyone know if thats possible?

 

[grober]

Faulty crankshaft sensor initial symptoms are usually engine stops running when hot then starts again when the engine[=sensor] cools down . Eventually complete failure means the the car won't run at all. YOUR SYMPTOMS DON'T FIT THAT SCENARIO?

 

[furto]

Nope its definately not that, it runs perfectly once it starts, thanks.

 

[dieselman]

I'd be going with grobers suggestion of fuel pump or relay. The relay would be no1. hit as they suffer dry solder joints.