EPC Warning on W210 E300 TD

[cheshirecat]

When started from cold on my '99 E300 Turbodiesel the EPC light comes on and the vehicle drives in 'emergency mode'. However, when started from warm, there is no warning and the car drives perfectly.

Anyone have any suggestions on to what the cause and best remedy for this situation. Although unrelated, earlier on in the year one of the glow plugs died, and all six were replaced.

Any help gladly received.

many thanks

 

[cheshire cat]

looks like there are two of us, does that make a litter?

 

[Tim Green]

When started from cold (eg about 1C or less) the cruise control will not work on my car (E320 CDi est). I have to stop the engine after a few miles, when restarted it all works OK. Crap innit

 

[jberks]

If it's gone into safe mode, there is a good chance the fault has been logged. So, you can either start changing things on the off-chance or IMO spend your money more wisely and get the codes read. Temp sensors, MAS etc are common causes but it's better to know what the car thinks first.
Interestingly, if it's 1st thing only, then how's your battery? Low voltage doesn't normally cause safe mode but I'd maybe try a charge overnight and see what she's like in the morning.

 

[television]

JBerks has an good point here with the battery.

Over night,with a faulty cell the voltage at the ECU could be low enough to give the fault,as this unit starts on the battery. After a short run, the voltage is normal, and so is the car.

In the motoring trade press, you will always you will always see the words,
98% of all faults are still a faulty battery or grouding cables, and that has always been the case. Never dive headlong into a problem without checking the basics.

Malcolm

 

[Tim Green]

Well I suppose the battery could be iffy, although it always starts OK, even when very cold. But its possible that the voltage is low enough to log a fault. Not sure whether that should stop the cruise control working however.

 

[television]

Hi Tim, there is a differnce in the car starting and the battery being good, If one cell has gone parcial short circuit, that will take the nomanal 12.5 volts down to 11 something or maybe slightly less. During cranking it will drop even more, its at this point that the electrics go odd.

Its so simple to turn the headlamps on first thing in the morning and measure the voltage. In electronics we always start with basics, without those few simple checks you could be on a wild goose chase.

Malcolm

 

[cheshirecat]

Thanks for the comments re the battery. I have just had to fit a new battery, an Exide silver calcium to the OEM specification. I had this problem prior to the battery change, and was hopeful the new battery would solve the problem.

I guess getting the codes read is the place to start. Any one know of a indie Merc specialist in the Cheshire area?

Many thanks!