C180 - Starting, then cutting out!

[Minimart]

Hi all,

this is my first post so please by gentle

I've just bought (last Thursday) a 1998 C180 auto which I love so far - but one problem has arisen.

When I start it from cold, it starts then immediately dies. I start it again and it runs fine. After leaving it for a few hours (when at work for example) and it's cooled down it starts ok, but the revs drop right down before coming back up to 750-ish.

Anyone else had this problem or have any idea what might be causing it?

Many thanks,

Martin.

 

[BlackC55]

I suspect a possibly faulty air mass sensor but it really needs to have the fault codes checked.

It could also be a fueling issue too.

 

[Minimart]

Thanks BlackC55, so it'll be a trip to a garage then?

Shame, having just bought it I didn't want to start spending money on it!

 

[Dieselman]

You can meter the MAS yourself using a DC meter. Expect ~2v at idle rising to 4.8v at full revs from Pin5 WRT Gnd.

 

[Minimart]

You can meter the MAS yourself using a DC meter. Expect ~2v at idle rising to 4.8v at full revs from Pin5 WRT Gnd.

Wish I knew how to do that, but I have no clue... :bannana:

 

[Dieselman]

Half way down this page is the method.

The rest of that thread covers it in some detail.

 

[edthebad]

I've got this exact same problem but I don't have an air mass meter (it's an early C180 W202) any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[Minimart]

Right, phoned the garage where I bought it and they've told me it's a common occurrence with C180's and all that's needed is a little push on the accelerator when starting from cold...

Is he having me on here? I wouldn't have thought a merc would need anything to get it going from cold??

I also noticed that when I pulled away from a junction on a slight hill, the car just wouldn't pull away? I had to lift off the accelerator completely, then reapply it very gently. Is this normal for an auto? (you can tell I'm a complete newbie eh?!)

Thanks all

 

[jaymanek]

no its not normal.. they are talking gibberish.

 

[Minimart]

no its not normal.. they are talking gibberish.

Thought so... Any recommendations on how to approach this guy? I doubt he'll take my suggestion that it needs to be seen by a mechanic seriously!

 

[trapperjohn]

Bought from a garage I notice. Check out your local Trading Standards, the garage may have previous? Goods not fit for purpose - small claims court. Visit your local Citizens Advice Centre - something like that.

 

[Dieselman]

As other say, take it back.
It could be as simple as the throttle body needs cleaning out with carburettor cleaner.

 

[Minimart]

Spoke to him today... took some convincing but he finally agreed to take it in and get it looked at. I know what'll happen - it'll sit with him for the day and he'll tell me that his 'mechanic' has found nothing wrong.

If that happens I'll get a diagnostic report from a local garage and then see what he has to say. If all else fails I'll say I want it fixed or my money back as it's not fit for purpose (as described in the sale of goods act).

Was really hoping my first MB experience would be a good one such a shame, because apart from it not starting first time I love it! It's dead embarrassing cranking my 'new' car over in front of my neighbours and it starting then cutting out

It's such a fab car!

 

[Minimart]

As other say, take it back.
It could be as simple as the throttle body needs cleaning out with carburettor cleaner.

Throttle body was cleaned out and this has helped a little bit. The other problem (revs dropping when pulling away from stationary) has lessened, but it still takes two attempts to start when it's cold.

Decided the only way to sort this is to take it to Mercedes. As it's a 97/98 my local garage's machine can't talk to it (apparently all systems were standardised in 2000?)

Anyways, when Mercedes have provided me with a full diagnostic report (£60!) then I'll deliver it to the garage where I bought it... See if he's prepared to get it sorted under his 'warranty'...

Wish me luck!

 

[Minimart]

Just an up-date guys, got my car back from Mercedes and they've confirmed that the engine's running lean on start-up and have recommended a new Mass Air Flow Meter. They have also suggested that it may be a crank-shaft sensor, or something to do with a diaphragm? Anyways, they didn't even charge me! Bloody marvelous

Now I'm waiting to hear back from the garage where I bought it to see what excuse they're going to give me for not replacing the part...

Does their diagnosis seem right to you??

 

[e class coupe]

Their diagnosis matched with others on here, you have no reason not to believe them.

 

[Minimart]

Now fixed!

air mass sensor has been replaced, and hey presto!

Thanks all

 

[Alan61]

Hi all,
I'm new here too, 1st post.
I bought my '98 C180 sport auto few months ago. It worked perfectly, well, except for the fact that the BAS/ABS light was on from day 1, and the cruise control did not work. I recently took it to a MB/BMW specialist who changed the rear brake light switch. Afterwards, everything worked like a dream, until, the BAS/ABS light came on again! Sigh. Only this time, the auto box gets jammed in 1st gear. I have to stop, switch off, wait few minutes, switch on, and all's fine again. I've spoken to the garage and they seem to think it'sthe ABS control unit. Hardly small change replacement. I do find it odd that now that the car has been fitted with a new rear brake light switch, that the auto box is affected, whereas before it wouked like a dream. Any ideas would be most appreciated. Oh and, isn't 19 mpg too little around town?! That's what I'm getting. What should it be, and what could be the problem. Thanks.