Power lacking W210 320 CDI

[David Wilkins]

Hi,
My previously well behaved 2001 sedan E W210 320 CDI with 70K miles, was recently smoking on acceleration, but now often won't run above 3000 rpm! I first noticed this when kick down failed, as it would have kicked to above 3000 rpm. Slow acceleration - as if turbo off. No warning lights. If I stop and turn off the engine the fault goes away. Overall fuel consumption has got worse by about 10%, otherwise engine starts and runs as normal.

Any hope beyond stealership ransom?

Cheers.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Try this first:

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=18298

 

[David Wilkins]

Thanks - took air cleaner off yesterday and replaced the filter as it was very dirty, but no joy. I'll go back and look at the condition of the MAF unit, but I don't recall is as ugly in there (air cleaner done its job). Will advise result

 

[television]

It should be the MAF cheaper from a factor, but make sure it is a bosch or Pirrie what ever is fitted to the car

 

[Bighouse]

I had a similar problem with my ML320 - loss of power, didn't rev much over 3500, running a bit lumpy. I fitted a new Mass Airflow Sensor (really easy to fit and cost about £50 from Euro Car Parts) and it runs like a new car. I was advised afterwards that you can clean them with a can of spray but I didn't try that. I dont know if a diesel would have an airflow sensor the same or not but it definitely fixed my car.

 

[David Wilkins]

Hi All ... got a spray can of electronics cleaner from Maplin (£3.50) today and followed Parrot's method - spray cleaned the MAF and all electrical connections. Not much dirt in there to see, but it seems to now work. I'll see how it goes tomorrow on the commute tomorrow & advise. Cheers.

 

[David Wilkins]

Hi All ... more W210 320 CDI power probs
Unfortunately the engine went into safe mode on the way into work, so cleaning the mass airflow sensor last night didn't fix things. (By safe mode I mean it won't kick down, rev limits to 3K and lacks power as if no turbo). So I got a new MAF from Eurocarparts for about £52 and have fitted it tonight. Test drive went well for 10 mins or so, and then the engine went into safe mode again. Re-starting the engine fixes it for a while. Grateful for any suggestions

 

[television]

There are only 2 things Dave, a low voltage battery or the O2 sensor, re the battery if the running voltage is low this can put the light on, the running voltage should be 13.8 volt

 

[David Wilkins]

Thanks Malcolm, I'll check the voltage in the morning - dust off the old multimeter - I guess I'm looking for 12V cold and 13.8V when idling.

Re the oxygen sensor - I've no clue where it is / what it looks like - can you advise? Does it take any special tools to swop?

Cheers.

 

[BlackC55]

EGR valve is a fave also.

 

[television]

I think that you can forget the O2 sensor as it normally stays on all of the time


Yes you are correct with the voltages, I cant think of any other reason.

 

[David Wilkins]

Hi All, the next installment of "driving miss daisy" or "no turbo - no fun" on the W210 E 320 CDI.

Checked battery - seems all ok here with 12.5v cold with ignition turned to on and rising to about 15v once started and given a few revs.

So on Friday I took car to local independant (Griffiths in Reading - great guys) who put hooked up the computer and confirmed MAF fault was shown - they cleared the computer fault codes and we went for a short drive - sure enough the fault returned & the computer indicated it was still MAF. Another new MAF was installed & the computer cleared. The fault then went away for our short test drive, but has since returned during the motorway commute home.

The mechanic did notice a leak in the intercooler (a hissing sound that being half deaf I didn't notice). When I asked him, he didn't think this should cause the computer to go into safe mode, but it would lead to a general power drop.

However, I reckon the intercooler leak is causing the ECU to go to safe mode (no turbo and 3000 rpm limit) but only indicated MAF on the maint. computer. Has anyone seen that?

I guess its back into them on Monday for the next round. As always any suggestions welcome!

 

[steve berry]

I have exactly the same problem. I thoughtit could be related to being stuck in W mode on the gearbox.