W203 will start but won't idle

[Benzman1]

I recently did a service A on my W203 and everything was fine until the big freeze. I was about to drive in the ice covered road when my wheels spun and I didn't get any traction. All of a sudden the check engine light came on. Now the car won't start. It cranks up ok but then it kind of misfires/splutters and turns itself off.After having searched the forum for similar problems, I have tried cleaning the MAF with solvent cleaner but to no avail. I really need to get it back on the road as the schools are opening soon. I can't even drive it to the nearest garage. Please help

Benzman1

 

[jonathanc]

Hi Benzman

I think you need to give a few more details re your car i.e engine petrol/diesel, capacity, age etc. Until someone more knowledgeable than me comes along it may be also worth disconnecting the MAF and then try and start the car. Although this doesn't sound like a MAF issue if you disconnect the MAF connector (but leave the MAF in place) the car will use a default set of maps and should run. This will at least eliminate the MAF as the source of the issue. I would also see if you can get someone to read the engine codes, as the CEL is on there will be some fault codes. Perhaps if you let people know where you are there maybe someone close to you who has a code reader.

Regards

Jonathan

 

[Benzman1]

Thanks Jonathan for your reply. My W203 is a 2000 C180. I will disconnect the MAF and see what happens.

 

[Stratman]

As you can't drive it, beg, buy, borrow or steal a fault code reader and see what it reveals.

Another possibility is the crankshaft position sensor has failed.

 

[Benzman1]

Thanks Stratman. Am now on the prowl for a fault reader. Will update and maybe share my experience.

 

[jonathanc]

Benzman

+1 for the Crank position sensor - IIRC common issue

Where in the country are you, someone on here may have a fault reader - If you are near me I would be happy to let you use it, otherwise most garages will have a basic OBD reader, they may even come out and read the codes (at cost of course!)

Cheers

 

[Benzman1]

Jonathan
Am in Slough, Berkshire. Have spoken to someone with a basic reader. Said they will be able to come tomorrow. So, will wait until tomorrow.

 

[jonathanc]

Jonathan
Am in Slough, Berkshire. Have spoken to someone with a basic reader. Said they will be able to come tomorrow. So, will wait until tomorrow.

OK, post the codes when you have them and hopefully it may give us a clue as to what is wrong.

Cheers

 

[Justin1600]

Could be the fuel pump mate, if the engine is trying to start. First check the fuse in the boot on the left. If that is ok then you really need to connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail, or just carefully push in the valve on it with a screwdriver ( mind your eyes ) if fuel does not jet out then the pump is faulty

 

[Benzman1]

Thanks Justin, I have just fitted a brand new pump but will try connecting a presssure gauge.

 

[Justin1600]

Thanks Justin, I have just fitted a brand new pump but will try connecting a presssure gauge.

Did you fit both sides mate, as you must fit them as a pair

 

[nickcc101]

My Crankshaft Position Sensor has also just failed, engine still runs but falters occasionally. Fault code reader indicates sensor failure, clears engine management light but this keeps on coming back on. Waiting for Inchcape to get back with a price, cheapo ebay ones seem to be between £30-£60.