1997 E320 Wont Start
 

My 97 E320 wont start. It cranks and cranks but wont turn over... Is it a fuse or something? Please help me and give me detials on what and where to look at.

Crank Position Sensor located on the top of the trans bell housing on the drivers side where trans connects to engine. Can see it from the top peeking between engine and firewall with flashlight.

Part available on "buy parts" tab above.

You've checked it has fuel already, right?

Thanks, I will try changing that today!!! yep it has almost a full tank!!! I hope this works. I have spent over a thousand dollars working on it now.

I would do a fuel pressure test first....

You initally made it seem as if this was a recent and sudden problem, which apparently it isn't.

If you've spent $1000, someone surely has already considered the CPS; listen to Arthur and tell us the whole story the first time out and you'll get better advice.

Might want to spend another GRAND and then do a 30 sec FP test..


The point we are making here , is we are giving you the FIRST things that COULD cause your problem, without knowing anything except your complaint of no start.
So, we know that any engine won't start if it has no spark or no gas, so that is where we have to start w/diagnosis...

CPS is a common cause for 'NO Spark" condition , and no FP is a common cause for" No Gas" condition..and BOTH are common causes for a No Start complaint.

So, where did the first G-Note go ?????

The reason I mention Fuel Pressure is b/c you can take the cap off the test port and press the little valve in with your finger and see if there is Fuel Pressure there [ use a rag]..if there is NOT, then you can have a blocked fuel filter, a bad fuel pump, a resticted line , a blown fuse, a bad FP relay , etc etc etc...so, you see why testing is the first choice..then you can save that extra Grand for the CD. If you have pressure with the finger test [ a gage is better for the test], then you kinow you probably don't have Spark and the Crank sensor should be tested....

I used to assume if a guy spent that much $$$$ on diagnosis that these test have already been done, but the last few years of hangin' ' round here, I have realized that I was way wrong on that conceptual thinking and have learned to assume NOTHING..
We have seen so many OVP relays changed AFTER the $2K amout was reached , that we realize it is quite alright and acceptable to just shotgun/parts change today and that when all else fails , read the instructions...
So...again,..my first test would be FP...mainly b/c it cost nothing, is easy to do, and will tell you plenty of info to lead you in the right direction of proper diagnosis before changing a part.
If you are no so inclined for these simple test, then I would call the guy you gave the Grand to and ask if these test were done and what was the results of the test??? He owes you at least that...... :)
...or did yuou shotgun it yourself...????

Where is the test port to check the fuel pressure?

It is on the top of the fuel rail... unscrew the brass cap and there is a valve in there . just like you would see on a bike inner tube.

I am so clueless on where the fuel rail is... under the hood or near the gas tank... I think im in over my head.

does your security system have it disabled. use the key in the drivers door to lock and unlock the drivers door. make sure the door is fully closed when you do it.

I wouldn't think the security would have anything to do with it because the car will crank but it kinda just wants to mellow out after cranking for a while.

The fuel rail is the distribution pipe for the injectors.
I agree that this is all too new for you and you may not want to be fooling with gas pressures..bring it to someone or ask a friend to do a fuel pressure test..buy the tool.

And the security system would not be the problem b/c that just locks out the Starter circuit.

See the guy at the garage told me it could be a relay switch and he searched and searched for it and couldn't find one to change out or to check.

Okay, I checked with the guy that worked on it and he changed my fuel filter and pump out cause the pump was going bad and now I checked the fuel pressure and its good.

It could very well be the fuel pump relay...just like I said..that comes AFTER you see if you have fuel pressure ..if you have NO FP , then I would look at the relay..but if you do, then don't waste your time looking at the relay..see where I am going here.
Ask the guy if he did a FP test..that is the first thing you want to know...you still want to throw parts at the thing. Get a FP test gauge and have someone check for Fuel Pressure... if you can;t do it, get someone who can.
At least you will then know where to look........or we will even tell you th next step....I am not going to recommend a relay before I know you need one ..it is against all the thinking an logic I preach here...........