2002 Mercedes C240 Problem starting engine
Asked by Paul Aug 20, 2015 at 08:07 PM about the 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 240 Sedan
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
2002 Mercedes C240 - has had no problems until just recently. When I try to start the car, the engine turns over several times, but won;t start, then stops. When I turn key off then back on and pump the gas pedal the car start slowly them rev up, every time. No problems while I'm driving but as soon as I shut the engine off and later come back to start it, I'm back in the two step starting cycle. Don't know if it maight be related but about the same time this started my radio power shut off and has not come back on to date. I have not checked the fuses.
7 Answers
firebird338 answered 9 years ago
Lets try some general maintenance things first. Check air filter clean throttle body replace fuel filter if have not done so in a while add Lucas Fuel Injector Cleaner to gas tank.
If you run bad or low octane gas, you are lucky it even starts. Mine will not fire without 94+ octane.
Roy...I have always used hi-octane gas in my car. So that's not the problem. The simply won;t start with the initial turn of the switch, but always starts on the second turn. Doesn't matter how long the first key turn lasts either.
I checked th air filter - no problem. I haven;t looked at the gas filter yet. I am using a Fuel Injector Cleaner in the next tank fill. BTW - the radio turned out to be a separate fuse issue - fixed with no impact on starting.
firebird338 answered 9 years ago
When you use the injector cleaner if you have not already take vehicle on a back road and hit the passing gear a few time this will help clean out carbon,varnish and gum build up. Careful no speeding ticket.
Thanks for that suggestion. I do love to exploit the passing gear - but only in legal ways, of course. :)
Fair dinkum cobber. Don’t you know pumping the gas pedal does sfa. It is electronic fuel fed and pumping the pedal works for American crap but this is finely engineered European Auto Excellence. It is an electronic ignition and fuel pump. Pumping the gas pedal ( it’s not actually gas) is what you do if you have a mechanical fuel system. Flooding a mechanical car by pumping a pedal usually means standing around for a while scratching your head....wondering WTF is happening. If all else fails read the Manual or better still buy a service manual. Replace engine oil and filter every 6 months and at the 12 month mark take it to a Mercedes Service Centre. Best tee to spend a dime or two than sit on the road wondering why it won’t go and asking silly questions which are not properly answered like this answer....
