220CDI goes in limp mode when outside Temperature is cold

[NICO]

Hello All,

I own a C220 CDI (2004). my car does not fit in my garage and I leave it outside over night. I am having difficulties in the morning when temperatures are below freezing and I start my car, it goes in limp mode. there is no malfunction displayed on the car computer. I have to wait until the engine warms up, then switch the engine off and back on again to clear this issue.
I have read on MB Club UK that people have had similar experience but I could not find a solution to fix it. Does anyone know how it can be fixed?

Thank you in advance for your help. Nico

 

[BlackC55]

Does it have a lack of power?

 

[NICO]

Yes, no power, it is like the turbo does not kick in. It happens twice last year and many time this winter (being a cooler one). Thank you for your input. Nico

 

[BlackC55]

Before guessing at what is the cause it is always best to get it diagnosed using the proper equipment. It will save you money in the long run. The best diag equipment is a Star. I have one as most specilaists do and so do dealers.

Th most common cause is MAF, EGR valve, boost leak, vacuum leak or a vacuum transducer.

 

[NICO]

I was hoping it was a common fault and someone that had a similar issue would have help me to narrow down the faulty item.
It is difficult for me to go to the Mercedes dealer for a diagnose as this means I have to drive my car in limp mode (on a cold day) to get there. Also I soon as I stop the car the fault will clear.

 

[NICO]

Going back to my previous post. Can a fault causing a loss of power be diagnosed even though it doesn't get displayed in the car on-board computer? I am not familiar with the way the equipments like "star" work. Am I correct to assume that a fault will register and be kept in a "history" list even if it is not active anymore? How much can I expect to pay to get my car diagnosed by a MB dealer?

 

[merovingian]

Same problem as Nico

Hello All,

I own a C220 CDI (2004). my car does not fit in my garage and I leave it outside over night. I am having difficulties in the morning when temperatures are below freezing and I start my car, it goes in limp mode. there is no malfunction displayed on the car computer. I have to wait until the engine warms up, then switch the engine off and back on again to clear this issue.
I have read on MB Club UK that people have had similar experience but I could not find a solution to fix it. Does anyone know how it can be fixed?

Thank you in advance for your help. Nico

Exact same problem its as though the engine has to be at a midrange temperature before it runs without any holes in the acceleration. Nothing on the STAR but I do have a glowplug out and i will change all 4. Having said that it happened before anyway. EGR valve is clean no other symptoms to speak of however I dont have to restart the engine. I have bought a new MAF sensor to fit as it cant do any harm, but no problems as I said on the STAR. Engine temperature sensor maybe? I dont know i'm only guessing, they all take an age to warm up don't they engines are so efficient. Mines done 120.000 miles now and is a 2005 2.2 cdi 136 hp (lower tax here in Belgium).
This really is a mystery to me I asked a main stealer mechanic to road test it with me and he was clueless. It's almost as though the engine is saying dont force me i'm not warm enough yet