430 no downshift, no power, check engine light - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stephenson · #1 08-09-2009, 08:48 PM

So, test drove a 2000 CLK 430 (convertible) today - very nice condition, 23K miles, garage kept, etc. Nice people.

Started fine, and operated normally - until - driving out of neighborhood, turned onto main highway and it had no power - would very slowly accelerate, but didn't downshift even with pedal all the way to the floor. After about 5 minutes, we stopped, and shut down for a couple of minutes. On restart the CEL came on and stayed on. Pulling away from intersection with pedal fully depressed, it would barely accelerate.

Owner didn't like my idea of disconnecting battery to reset so we left it like that.

Did some searches, but didn't come up with anything definitive - sensor related? Throttle position or crankshaft position of some sort, maybe? Transmission shift solenoid/sensor?

Arthur Dalton · #2 08-09-2009, 09:15 PM

Get the codes ..it is in Limp .

stephenson · #3 08-09-2009, 10:22 PM

Yep - been doing further reading. Figured it would be easy guess based on characteristics - own is probably gonna do dealer thing tomorrow. Looks like there's a ick-down switch in the pedal assembly. Hope he doesn't get jerked around by the dealerships like so many others I have been reading about.

I have been trying hard to buy a nice example of this car, but every time I drive one there is something wrong and horror stories about dealers. I know this is a broad statement, but am beginning to wonder ...

Other alternative is the Solara convertible which is way less complex, larger inside, gets better mileage, same kind of power alberit FWD - but, has very noticable chassis flexure - the MBs have some, but nothing like the Solara.

I'll keep looking ... thanks.

Arthur Dalton · #4 08-09-2009, 10:28 PM

< Figured it would be easy guess based on characteristics >

You never guess on a Limp mode w/CE lamp....way too many possibles , ranging from a $2 fuse to a $3,000 ECU....

mbdoc · #5 08-10-2009, 08:18 AM

Sounds like the trans is in limp mode, not shifting.

Have codes read from the trans. That can cost $4-5K.

acapulco36 · #6 08-22-2009, 12:35 AM

Pretty much had the exact thing happen to me yesterday. Driving, suddenly
no power, very slow, pulled over stopped, would not start. I was hungry so
I went to eat, came back it started. Drove to my shop, stopped again about
a block away. ( drove about 12 miles to the shop. ) Vehicle '01 e430

Problem was Crank position sensor.

Anyway today I picked it up from the shop: $ 220.00 part & labor.

Note: Normally I would have bought the part from Arizona ********
** $ 40.00, the shop charged 1 hour labor for the install.

So I could have gotten away for $ 120.00. Have not checked to see
if this is a easy DIY, if so a $ 40.00 part & my time to install ...

Does it get better than that ... we are talking German machine here ...

CLK with 23K, owner fixes the sensor you will be in good shape.

I also have a '02 CLK 430 zero problem with mechanical issues. Only issue
I have had has been passenger seat getting stuck ( would not go back & forward ), and misc issue with my clock comming on & off or dimming
when the blinker is on. Vehicle has 42K on it.

For some reason I do not think about a blinking clock when enjoying the
ride, power & class of a CLK.

Jump the opportunity while you have it.