E L epc fault. 220 cdi auto 2003 . Advice please

[Tony H8]

I've just bought the above car 47k from new. No service history.

Drove it home from Sotland to Warwickshire. Drove beautifully for three days and about 500 miles. 4 days later I tried to start it from cold. And the problem started....

It started then cut out. Displaying E L EPC fault code. After a few more attempts it started. I drove it for twenty miles (drove as well as before). Switched off for an hour tried to start it again took several attempts. Displaying the same E L fault code. The display continues to read EPC whilst driving.

Tried to figure what changes might have affected it before difficulty in starting.

1) I ran the fuel tank down to less than 1/4 full. The day before.
2) Then filled up with supermarket grade diesel
3) The outside temperature dropped by several degrees.
4) I left the parking light on overnight. (This didn't seem to flatten the battery).

Other possible factors:

5) It's a low mileage car, maybe missed some essential servicing.
6) The seller advised me he always used premium grade fuel.

I hope someone can shed some light on this problem and offer some advice.

Grateful for any expert help. Tony

 

[John Laidlaw]

It needs plugged into a Star diagnostic kit to know for sure, my starter for 10 would be CPS ( crank position sensor).
Find a Mercedes Independent service garage and get the codes read, saves a lot of guessing
You have a good one here quite nearby you
https://www.mercland.com/
Jay Manek and the team know Mercedes cars very well and have the right kit

 

[John Laidlaw]

Sorry, welcome Tony

 

[Tony H8]

It needs plugged into a Star diagnostic kit to know for sure, my starter for 10 would be CPS ( crank position sensor).
Find a Mercedes Independent service garage and get the codes read, saves a lot of guessing
You have a good one here quite nearby you
https://www.mercland.com/
Jay Manek and the team know Mercedes cars very well and have the right kit

 

[Tony H8]

Thanks John. I appreciate your advice.

As a postscript. I tried to start it this morning the same pattern occurred. It started first time from cold. Ran momentarily then cut out after a few moments. It then took several more attempts before it started. Then ran perfectly . It restarted easily when still hot. No suggestion of cutting out while driving.

I will contact the garage you suggested. Thanks again for your kind response.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Thanks John. I appreciate your advice.

As a postscript. I tried to start it this morning the same pattern occurred. It started first time from cold. Ran momentarily then cut out after a few moments. It then took several more attempts before it started. Then ran perfectly . It restarted easily when still hot. No suggestion of cutting out while driving.

I will contact the garage you suggested. Thanks again for your kind response.

No problem hope it works out for you Tony

 

[carlls]

hi tony and welcome to the forum