2005 E320 OM642 white smoke at start-up

[alistairi]

I have an E320 sport with 120K on the clock and a white smoke problem.

When the car is started it can sometimes take a while to start (5-6 seconds) and when it starts a puff of white smoke is emitted. If I turn the ignition onto position 3 for 10 seconds prior to start the engine starts easier and the smoke is reduced. I'm therefore assuming it's a problem with the heaters?

When 1st accelerating hard after starting the car kicks out another cloud of white smoke but then appears to clear up - it doesn't matter if the car is cold or hot or how long it's been running, the first hard acceleration always results in a cloud of smoke.

The car has been star tested recently and no faults where reported.

Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[t-dawg1]

GLOW PLUG RELAY MODULE,mate common problem on these. About £130 for a new one

 

[BIG_G_1979]

Would the glow plug relay not show up on star as a fault Tdawg?

 

[E270 Owner]

Have an injector leak off test done.

 

[alistairi]

Hi,

Thanks for you advice on this - I got another STAR test done today and it came up with 2 fault codes:

2668 - Check component G3/2 (O2 sensor upstream of TWC). Thrust fault value is below limit.

2270 - N14/3 (Glow time output stage), At least one of the glow plugs in not actuated

Does the 2270 fault still suggest the Glow Plug Relay Module is at fault or is it more likely to be a specific glow plug? Also, will faulty glow plugs be the cause of the 2668 fault or is that a separate problem?

Thanks again for your help....

 

[t-dawg1]

I had the exact same symptoms and fault code and it was the glow plug module that needed replacing. Mercedes released an upgraded one by Beru so check if that's t the one you have on your car,it it's not then buy it mate http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/158731-w211-2007-v6-glow-plug-relay-module.html

 

[E270 Owner]

I would be interested in your old faulty one please.

 

[Lit91]

Same problem here, is this unit the most definite fault or should I get it checked on STAR first? also can I change this over myself at home? is it hard to do? or does the STAR fault have to be cleared?

Anyone got a guide or atleast a pic of the location?

 

[t-dawg1]

Same problem here, is this unit the most definite fault or should I get it checked on STAR first? also can I change this over myself at home? is it hard to do? or does the STAR fault have to be cleared? Anyone got a guide or atleast a pic of the location?

I recommend a star test first before buying new relay. Very easy to do 15min job with the right tools. Inbox me once you've bought one and I'll send you instructions on how to replace it. You don't need star to reset it once changed

 

[t-dawg1]

Same problem here, is this unit the most definite fault or should I get it checked on STAR first? also can I change this over myself at home? is it hard to do? or does the STAR fault have to be cleared? Anyone got a guide or atleast a pic of the location?

That's is with a RED CIRCLE round it

 

[Lit91]

Has anyone bought from this seller before?

I'm defiantly going to buy one, but do I go for one from an ordinary ebay seller like this, or pick a MB dealership ebay shop for an extra £20?

Mercedes Glow Plug Control Unit - OM642 Engines Genuine Part | eBay

 

[SL300-24]

I would go MB because there have been a few upgrades to this part I think, best get the latest version and I think they come with a 2 year guarantee from MB.

 

[Lit91]

Option no: 2 was also from ebay, but its the genuine MB dealership selling there, I can reference codes for latest part maybe? Or can someone get trade prices for parts down on the south coast? would be even easier for me that way...

 

[t-dawg1]

Option no: 2 was also from ebay, but its the genuine MB dealership selling there, I can reference codes for latest part maybe? Or can someone get trade prices for parts down on the south coast? would be even easier for me that way...

I'd buy the eBay one and fit it yourself and save a few bob

 

[Lit91]

Fitting myself either way haha, knowing Mercedes dealers it would be £300 & they'd even wash it for me for free.

 

[EFXW]

Had this white smoke on start up CLS 320, little Googleing found this youtub, opened the Control unit with a hacksaw and noted two wires broken on the main feed in, little solder and all good now.

link for info.Glow plug controller tear down and attempted fix - YouTube

I have the old shape relay as in the video


Eoin

 

[E270 Owner]

Had this white smoke on start up CLS 320, little Googleing found this youtub, opened the Control unit with a hacksaw and noted two wires broken on the main feed in, little solder and all good now.

link for info.Glow plug controller tear down and attempted fix - YouTube

I have the old shape relay as in the video


Eoin

Its not an effective repair on those glow plug relays, if you actually watch what you have posted ........ at the end its not functioning correctly on the vehicle after he slopped some solder in there.

 

[EFXW]

It work for me, I say the fact he over heated the board to remove the silver tab, did it know good, I drilled mine to the copper core for connection, so the car starts with frost this morning, used to chug now does not, there you go!

I will see now long it last and report back

E.

 

[E270 Owner]

Those bards are not a typical PCB they are a Intersil wafer type used by most manufacturers.

Might be interesting to note the manufacturers part number on the unit,
as all the ones I have opened are aluminium spot welded with direct contact to the silicone layer underneath.










.

 

[easycheesy]

Are these glow plug relays common faults?