Hot Starting Problem

[dpl73]

Hi All

My E220 cdi (W210) has developed a hot starting problem. If it's driven for 20 mins, then left for 2-3 mins, it will be guaranteed to not start. It'll crank. Leave it for 30 mins or so and it fires up fine and will drive all day.

After clearing down the error codes it is showing the following:

P1354 Synchronization between camshaft and crankshaft

——> The error will be stored within a few seconds.
——> The EPC control light does not light.
——> It is impossible to start the engine.

——> Pin Setup crankshaft: 1: Sensor Ground; 2: Signal
——> Pin Setup camshaft: 1: Sensor Ground ; 2: Signal ; 3: +12 V

——> Possible causes :

— Camshaft frequency to high
— RPM not plausible
— Camshaft Signal missing

My questions are, I think, fairly simple:

1. Is it fair to assume that the fault is most likely the Cam (or crank sensor)
   
2. If this is correct, then I intend to replace the cam sensor (it's easiest?). Can someone please tell me/show me where the Cam sensor is? I am pretty hopeless with cars, so I'd appreciate if you could make it as simple as possible ;-)

A couple of points to note:

• The car has had a new MAF, EGR valve and intercooler/egr hose 6 months ago.
  
• The battery is a bit tired (but I'm putting that down to some harsh unsuccessful cranking lately)

Thanks to everyone reading this far.

Dave

 

[panason1c]

I would change the crank sensor (cps) first as the most likely suspect.

During the period when the car will NOT start, whilst cranking the engine look to see if the rev counter 'pulses' during cranking.....if it doesnt then it is definitely the cps faulty.

 

[AMGeed]

+1 for CPS.