Mercedes C230 1998 model! HELP!!!!

[KLP 92]

I have a problem with my 98 C230 estate. Its the non kompressor version.
For some reason it does not start. The engine turns and turns but won't start. If you leave it a while it turns and starts for about 3 seconds and then swithches off. The engine just keeps turning. The starter motor is fine and the alarm arma and disarms as normal.
Any help would greatly be appreciated.
I also thought it might be the air mass sensor. When i disconnected it the car still wouldn't start. It has 64k on the clock.

 

[neileg]

Sounds like a fuel problem. When you turn the ignition on, the fuel pump should run for a few seconds and then stop. If it doesn't it suggests a problem with the pump or the fuel pump relay.

 

[sedstevo]

Do the alarm LED's flash?

Could be that the alarm immobiliser is still active. This happened to me. I could open and close the doors but the engine was still immobilised.

Otherwise, check the spark plugs to see if they are wet with fuel.

 

[KLP 92]

i can hear the fuel pump when i switch the ignition on. There are no LEDs flashing when i start it. The alarm still works and opens and closes fine.
I've tested the air mass sensor and thats fine, it starts for about 2-3 times and then dies immediately, then shows no sign of life until i leave it for at least 10 minutes when it turns over starts and switches off immediately again.

 

[sedstevo]

You say you car hear the pump, but is the fuel getting to the plugs? If the plugs are ok and wet, do they spark Ok?

Do you live near a Mobile phone mast as there was a report in the papers about the number of problems the AA/RAC have with immobilisers and Mobile Phones. I also heard the same from my AA man.

Out of interest, how did you test the air mass sensor?

 

[KLP 92]

I will check in the morning about the fuel. I have another C230 estate, swapped the air mass sensor around. Also if you disconnect the air mass sensor the car still runs in LIMP mode. So theoratically if you disconnect a faulty air mass sensor the problem goes away but the engine doesn't run economically.

 

[piestore]

won't start

Hi

sounds like a faulty crank shaft sensor to me, try swapping it of the other car

 

[dieselman]

Out of interest, how did you test the air mass sensor?

Easy. With a digital multi meter from pin 4 of the MAF. Measure at the ECU as the connector pins are not sealed, also petrol cars should be available on the OBD socket.

The range is 0-5v. Idle will be somewhere near 2v and WOT should be 4.5v ish.
The ECU interprets the higher voltage as a greater quantity of air entering the engine so fuels up accordingly.

 

[maybach]

go with what piestore has said, replace the (L5) crankshaft sensor, I think it's very unlikely to be the M.A.F gone down , but never say never.
Maybach
M.B Tech

 

[KLP 92]

Its been repaired according to my local garage. apparently water got into my rear wiper motor and blew a fuse. Once it was replaced it started.
It seems strange as it started sometimes and then died! Wouldn't a fuse stop it from starting all together???
Well, fingers crossed it doesn't happen again as this reason isn't really filling me with confidence!