Issue with C180K cutting out

[starsi360]

My C180K Automatic had an issue where the engine fan was on all the time, the garage spent days on it but eventually said the ECU would need to be replaced (uneconomical) so instead they fitted a switch under the dash so I could cut off the engine fan at will.

Everything has been fine for a few months since, but now suddenly a couple of times a week the car will do this thing where all the dash lights and dials will surge up to full for a second and then the engine cuts out, steering wheel locks and I have to come to a stop and restart the engine, after which it carries on like nothing happened. It feels like the car is stalling and I think it only happens when I'm not pressing the accelerator (although i'm not 100% sure about that). It has happened a few times just after I have started the car and start to roll back off the drive too.

Any ideas what the issue could be? I have AA Car Genie which is permanently connected to the OBD port but is reporting no faults. I am wondering if that means that a garage wouldn't get any info about what's been happening via the OBD port too, or whether their diagnostic equipment could possibly see more than what the car genie app can provide?

 

[markjay]

Welcome starsi360.

Firstly, the car will need to be connected to STAR, which is the MB diagnostic computer, and not to a generic OBDII scanner. A good MB specialist will have that.

Then, I am assuming you meant to say that the steering wheel becomes heavy due to the PAS not working with the engine off, and not that the steering wheel lock is actually applied while you are driving the car? The steering wheel getting locked sounds unlikely, but if this does happen, then it would obviously be dangerous to drive the car until it's been repaired.

 

[starsi360]

Welcome starsi360.

Firstly, the car will need to be connected to STAR, which is the MB diagnostic computer, and not to a generic OBDII scanner. A good MB specialist will have that.

Then, I am assuming you meant to say that the steering wheel becomes heavy due to the PAS not working with the engine off, and not that the steering wheel lock is actually applied while you are driving the car? The steering wheel getting locked sounds unlikely, but if this does happen, then it would obviously be dangerous to drive the car until it's been repaired.

Ahh yes it’s probably just loss of PAS but the one time this happened when I was actually moving I panicked a bit and didn’t really try turning the wheel, I could feel if felt very heavy but your comment makes sense. I’m not really a car person so apologies if I sound a bit dumb!

Will have to try and get it checked over by a MB specialist then I suppose. Thank you

 

[Sean12]

Hi I have a 2005 c class 220cdi. Have fitted a new turbo. How do I program the new turbo to the car. I have been told to just drive it and it will program it self.
new to this site

 

[starsi360]

Hi I have a 2005 c class 220cdi. Have fitted a new turbo. How do I program the new turbo to the car. I have been told to just drive it and it will program it self.
new to this site

You need to start a new post, as you’re currently just replying to mine about my C180k so maybe won’t get many responses!

 

[MarkPortugal]

My car was also cutting out like that.
I did not observe the instruments going up, everything just shut off as if I'd switched it off.
No fault codes were recorded.
It was happening more often and I was getting worried about it...
I think it has to be either the ecu or the eis [electronic ignition control].
So what I did was replace both, and the steering lock as well, which I bought as a set with 2 keys for 150 euros.
I wanted a second key anyway, and that would cost at least 200.
The three parts are coded together and the car won't run unless they're matched.

changing the parts was quite easy; the Mercedes maintenance system says to take off the steering wheel but I didn't.
I've now been driving the car for a month and it hasn't cut out once.
If you do this, you need to find an ecu for the same motor, and the same gearbox.
My steering lock wasn't fully inserted into the column [found the bolt on the floor], so if it did try and lock it might not have locked.

Before changing the parts, you could try pulling all the electrical plugs out of all 3 units, and putting them back in again.
If the problem is a slightly dodgy connection, this could solve it.