C270 lack of power and no kick down - EPC ???

[mowog]

Hi Folks.

Bought my 2002 c270 estate just under a year ago and its run flawlessly for the most part.
Had a power drain issue which was traced to the block heater (now disconnected).

Current issue ......
Car *seems* to run perfectly but when you put your foot down to accelerate .... there's no power there. It seems to be limited to around 2k and won't drop down a gear to accelerate etc.
Tried the kick down switch under the accelerator pedal .... nothing (no effect).

There are no warning lights on the dash ..... however...... I tried the kick down again today and after pressing it three times, about half a second apart, a warning message came up on the dash.

"EL POWER CONTROL"
"VISIT WORKSHOP"
"EPC"

After reading on here about similar issues ....... there seems to be some split opinion.
Could I ask everyones advice or where to start ?

Much appreciated.

 

[grober]

El. Power Control Visit Workshop! Epc

appears to be fuel supply related?

 

[mowog]

Hi Graeme. Thanks for that.
However, that thread, like many others, has multiple suggestions.
What would you suggest first Graeme ?

Fuel filter or fault code reader ?

Will a non-merc-specialist garage have a "star" disgnostic machine or is this a Merc main dealer only item ?
Will normal diagnostic fault code readers work ??

Cheers

 

[design guru]

I have an S320cdi and when I got the EL POWER CONTROL message, it turned out to be the sensor on my accelerator pedal, after replacing the whole pedal assembly with a used one it solved the problem. But I never got an ESP message, the issue I had was a slow response when I pressed the accelerator.

 

[mowog]

Thanks DG.

The three main causes on the EPC warning message (from reading threads) appears to be ....

1. worn injectors,
2. clogged fuel filter
3. accelerator pedal throttle position sensor

Its just which one to try first (without the Merc developing into a money pit).

 

[Chrishazle]

Just after I bought my S203 C270 it developed a similar problem of no kickdown and would not rev above 3k - but no warnings on the dash. Luckily car came with a warranty so off to the relevant garage, MAF replaced, problem gone.

 

[mowog]

Thanks Chris.

Looks like I'll have to add that to the list.

1. worn injectors,
2. clogged fuel filter
3. accelerator pedal throttle position sensor
4. mass air flow sensor

now I just have to decide which to go for first.

 

[chrisk2010]

I'd try 2 and 3 first as they're the cheaper easier options.

Code reader wise apart from an Icarsoft 2 I'm not up on code readers but there is a thread here and plenty more info on the forum.

Code reader obd

 

[BlackC55]

Thanks Chris.

Looks like I'll have to add that to the list.

1. worn injectors,
2. clogged fuel filter
3. accelerator pedal throttle position sensor
4. mass air flow sensor

now I just have to decide which to go for first.

Have a look for a Merc specialist near you. diagnosis fees aren't usually to expensive and it saves the guess work. You might get lucky with the first bit you replace but if you replace 3 of those and the 4th fixes it, it would have been a lot cheaper to just have someone diagnose it in the first place

Natacha

 

[esscee]

Being in the East Midlands, try contacting Mercland in Nuneaton. Forum sponsors on here and Jay is a top chap.

 

[mowog]

Decided to ring the MB main dealer just to get a price on having the codes read.

OMG !!!!!

Daylight robbery or what !!!
£104 plus VAT.
just to plug the diagnostic machine in for the 2-3 mins it would take to read the fault code.

I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.

 

[alecmascot]

Decided to ring the MB main dealer just to get a price on having the codes read.

OMG !!!!!

Daylight robbery or what !!!
£104 plus VAT.
just to plug the diagnostic machine in for the 2-3 mins it would take to read the fault code.

I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.

That's why an MB2.0 @ £150 is a good investment

 

[91dm]

When was the car last serviced, fuel filter changed?
Does it black smoke off boost, clouds of smoke on boost?
Has the engine sound changed in the last year?

 

[mowog]

That's why an MB2.0 @ £150 is a good investment

Yep - I see that now

 

[mowog]

When was the car last serviced, fuel filter changed?
Does it black smoke off boost, clouds of smoke on boost?
Has the engine sound changed in the last year?

I'm fairness, It hasn't bee serviced in a year (except for an oil change)..... so I do wonder if the fuel filter might be a good place to start.
Before the problem started, if you really put you foot down and accelerated hard there was a bit of initial smoke.
Does this signify something specific?

 

[mowog]

UPDATE.

So whilst waiting to get the codes read (happening tomorrow at last) I have noticed that the problem (2k rev limit and no kick down) only begins after the first 30 seconds or so after starting the car. Weird !

Also .... in advance of whatever the codes tell me ..... Ive been looking at MAF sensors. Advice please. Why do the prices of the sensor vary so wildly ???? The prices on ebay start at £22 upwards (with seemingly no upper limit) and prices from a motor factor bringing at £65 upwards.
Is a sensor a sensor or should I be careful ??
Finally as long as it matches a 2002 c270 diesel estate .... its should be ok right??

Thanks to all that have helped so far ..... much appreciated

 

[Marquisofraspberry]

I had a similar issue on a 2003 C220 cdi coupe. It had the same symptoms as yours however it would take longer to manifest itself, 20 minutes or more. Had the ECU sent off for repair as this was diagnosed, thais came back as no fault found, eventually it was discovered that several sensors had died all at the same time( been spiked I assume), can't remember which sensors it was in the end but MAF was one of them. As for spare parts I'm a great believer in buying quality parts, eliminates some of the doubt.

 

[91dm]

Had a almost identical symptoms with a 203 220cdi and it was the MAF. It's best to go with the OEM quality part, I've found some of the cheaper ones either didn't work or last very long.