Crank position sensor stalled me in traffic

[pigman]

Just passing something on in case it helps someone in the future. A couple of weeks ago my car wouldn't start a few minutes after shutting it off. Yesterday, while stopped at a traffic light, it died but eventually started again + check engine light lit. It turned out to be a faulty crank position sensor which runs $200 (installed). I'm very much in tune with my car and there were no clues such as performance issues from retarded or advanced spark. Damn electronics.

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[ohlord]

diy $55 at autohausaz.com and take some comfort the cps eliminates the need for a distributor,sends the values for crank speed to the ecu so your engine can hit the numbers it does and keeps it running far better then the old school systems,don't knock electronics-----she may hear you and throw another code
ohlord

[Quant]

Originally Posted by pigman

Just passing something on in case it helps someone in the future.
A couple of weeks ago my car wouldn't start a few minutes after shutting it off. Yesterday, while stopped at a traffic light, it died but eventually started again + check engine light lit. It turned out to be a faulty crank position sensor which runs $200 (installed).
I'm very much in tune with my car and there were no clues such as performance issues from retarded or advanced spark. Damn electronics.

the same thing happened to my brother's S4.

funny thing... it turned off on him on a turn.

i had to get out and push that thing - ok its really not that funny.

[pigman]

Follow-up: The MB service adviser told me the sensor unit went bad from oil leaking on it from a leak I have in my tranny rear seal (different forum post). They wanted $1600 to pull the transmission and replace the seals. The new crank position sensor has a 12 month guarantee so I guess I'll figure something out in 11.9 months.

[NFSCLK]

Where is the CPS located, I thought it was on top of the block at the rear of the engine. How would the rear of the tranny leaking get on the CPS?

[MarcusF]

Originally Posted by NFSCLK

Where is the CPS located, I thought it was on top of the block at the rear of the engine. How would the rear of the tranny leaking get on the CPS?

My question exactly.

OP:
Before we got the CPS, they used distributors. The 4.2's used them. The distributor caps and rotors are normal wear items. Dealer list price on a cap is $160 each. Rotors are just under $80 each. The 4.2 takes two caps and two rotors.

[pigman]

I was thinking the same thing myself and asked the MB service adviser who said "Mercedes doesn't put things where you'd necessarily expect them to be." I didn't go much further- considering the battery is in the trunk.

[NFSCLK]

From the pics I have seen the sensor is in the top of the block / bell housing
at the rear of the motor. I'll let you know after I install my new CPS I just ordered from AutohassAZ for $56.

My car also died this week during the standoff on the Walt Whitman bridge (Phila) on Thur I was stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and it shut down on me. I opened the hood for 30-40 min let it cool down while waiting for the tow truck to get there. I tried it again just for the hell of it and she fired right up.

I drove home...

Sometimes it's better to be lucky!

[ohlord]

diy on benzworld.org w210 diy section.almost the same so follow along