E350 CDI BlueEfficiency engine query....problem?

[ptruman]

Yesterday and today the car cranked for 3 seconds or so before firing.

Today, after it started we drove 2 mins to Lidl and I waited while my wife went to buy some flowers. I waited in the car, engine on, transmission in park, handbrake on, and my seatbelt off. I did not open my door. Wife exited car from a rear door.

After 5-10 mins, the engine stopped itself.

This is not an Eco start/stop car. Is this a "feature"? Should I be worried?

No error lights shown (just seatbelt and handbrake lights) and it restarted when I turned the key.

Thoughts?

I'm going to test it again when I get home later.

 

[br1anuk]

The engine not starting straight away sounds like low fuel pressure, when was the last time the fuel filter was changed?
You really need to get it on a diagnostic machine.

Brian.

 

[paul73mt]

have the same engine in mine and mines never done anything like that. When you started it do you get the 'glow plug' light come on at all at any time??

 

[ptruman]

Serviced a couple of months ago (Dec). I have seen a few posts about some E350 cars cranking a bit, but nothing about randomly stopping. It's driving fine.

It had a new glow plug relay in the last 8 weeks. No lights coming on.

 

[ptruman]

have the same engine in mine and mines never done anything like that.

Have you left it idling in park for a good while after coming to a stop? Am going to test that again and time it.

 

[paul73mt]

Have you left it idling in park for a good while after coming to a stop? Am going to test that again and time it.

i have done it when i went out come back and parked it up left it running and updated my maps on the satnav so it was sitting there for just over two hours and mine never stopped

 

[ptruman]

Left it running when I got home, for 12 mins, and it was fine (although granted this time I had pressed some buttons, so there was user CAN activity). If it has a slow start again tomorrow I'll drop it in for a STAR reading.

 

[ptruman]

So for reference, it's not done it today (and left 7hrs + after commuting...). I shall monitor...
It has been filled last with BP Ultimate Diesel, in case that has any bearing.

 

[ptruman]

Just a note (for myself) it did this again yesterday (09/04) so I have dates. Tank was reading 1/4 full, engine was warm. Will monitor and then get checked when I get a mo!

 

[ptruman]

It's off the get checked on STAR tomorrow.
Randomly ran into my indie at the petrol station yesterday and mentioned it had cut out twice - he suggested to drop it in, and it may be the crank position sensor.

It made it to Liverpool fine today, clocking 48mpg on the way, but on the way back, it cut out - when moving this time, albeit at only 5 mph. Gearbox stopped in Neutral, and when I restarted, the check engine light was on. It made it all the way back ok, but my MercedesMe app on my phone was going mental! It told me the CEL light was on (like I hadn't noticed) and proceeded to tell me a further 45 times. I cleared a few before I just left it, so I'm not sure if it has a 50 alert limit, or if whatever is tripping the light finally stopped spewing errors - but will find out tomorrow!

 

[ptruman]

So, embarrasingly this is user error....

The instructions (in German, I can't find an English copy) didn't mention shifting the airbox to get at a specific connector, so I had something plugged into the wrong socket. *face/palm* This also explains why I had non-fitting plug issue (and Brabus confirming that is a legitimate occurrence didn't help!)

Even the garage queried what it had actually been doing for a month as it was driving, increasing mpg and performance and NOT misbehaving, but (bless them) they put it on STAR, disconnected it, cleared the codes, went over the instructions with me, reconnected it in the right place, and didn't charge me.

 

[sturgeon]

Ha! It would have been SO much easier if it just hadn't worked from the start! Still you've cracked it now.

What a great indie you have!

 

[ptruman]

Indeed!