1999 E320 problems

[bobbo]

We own a 1999 E320 that will stall but start right back up. I can't remember for sure, but it seems to happen mostly after sitting overnight. Also, after sitting overnight, we have to remove and re-insert the key before it will start. Can anyone tell me how to correct this without going to a dealer since our nearest one is 90 miles away?? Thanks for any input!!

[stevebfl]

Are you saying that you leave the key in over night and then have to remove it and reinsert it. If that is the case it is the way it works. If you leave the key in the off position to long it will require being reinserted.

Our ML with 52k on it (and same motor system), also does the start and die atleast once on cold mornings. I think it is slow to get up fuel pressure but I haven't verified it as it always starts and runs if one holds the gas down a little bit on the second try.

[bobbo]

Steve, thanks for your reply. One more thing it has done occasionally is to start but shut down when you press the accelerator pedal(this is when it has sat overnight mostly---and is not the case as stated in my earlier post where I said it shut off after sitting overnight.) Any idea why it would do this?? I even tried revving it slightly before shifting to reverse. Also, one more question.. Is it normal for the transmission to be sluggish when first started up in the morning??? Thanks again for your help!!

Steve, one more ? and I won't bother you again tonight---this same car will not unlock by remote until you are practically reaching for the door handle. Is this normal since it is infrared??? I may be spoiled by my Chevy crew cab and the 91 420SEL we had it installed on.

[forp]

Originally Posted by bobbo

---this same car will not unlock by remote until you are practically reaching for the door handle. Is this normal since it is infrared??? I may be spoiled by my Chevy crew cab and the 91 420SEL we had it installed on.

Read the instructions in the owner's manual on checking/replacing the remote battery and synchronizing remote control. The little springs that contact and capture the battery get loose and dirty. Open the unit, clean them with q-tip and isopropyl alcohol where they touch the battery, re-bend them so they provide good pressure on the battery, re-assemble with fresh/clean battery, finally, re-synchronize the remote. If you don't have an owner's manual, you really should get one.
Good luck, Dan

[stevebfl]

Actually the 99 car is radio control and maybe also infra red. Could be both but is atleast radio.

One other point, the key has two functions that are TOTALLY unrelated. The first is the remote controlled operation of the locks, alarm, convenience features. The second is the electronic handshake with the engine management system; drive authorization.

The lack of batteries affects the first function, but has nothing to do with the second. IN OTHER WORDS, the drive authorization function has nothing to do with the batteries or their state of charge. One of the keys available is just a stick of plastic. It doesn't do remotes but does do key authorization for starting.