97 E300D Sudden Shutdown - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jim314 · #1 10-26-2006, 08:37 PM

I hope someone on this forum, in their infinite wisdom, recognizes these symptoms. Actually two symtoms:

1) Periodically the motor will just shut down like the key was turned off. I have to let it sit for 3-4 minutes before the GP light comes back on. If I try to start it before the light comes on and goes off, it just cranks, no fire even with a warm motor. After the GP light comes back on and goes off, no problem with starting right up.

2) I think this is related somehow. Periodcially again, after turning the motor off and going into a store or refueling, when coming back out and trying to start again, no GP light. I sit 3-4 minutes, try again and the GP lights, goes out, and can start the motor with no problem.

Both of these problems seem to happen in cycles. I can go two weeks with no problems and then suddenly it happens. The car runs great otherwise, actually purrs on on the interstate with plenty of power (at least as much power as a 97 E300D can produce) so I don't think it's fuel filter related. On cold mornings, the glow plug light cycles and the car starts with no problems, so I don't think it's the GP's either. What I'm afraid of is this is some type of intermittent electrical problem that is going to be hard to track down. Has anyone else experienced this same thing? And if you have, what was the problem. Thanks in advance for the advice.

Jim

TimFreeh · #2 10-26-2006, 08:45 PM

Do a search on "K40 relay" - common problem that is easily fixed.

jim314 · #3 10-26-2006, 09:14 PM

Thank you, I'll do that.

mitcheeew · #4 10-26-2006, 10:43 PM

Up until 2 weeks ago, I had a 96 E 300 that was doing that. Started as yours back in August. I replaced practically every component in the fuel supply,as well as replacing O rings & washers on IP.The problem got progressively worse & in the end after replacing :all filters,lower fuel pump (near tank) "K 40 relay,fuel shut off selenoid,discovering IP leak, & then fuel line leak,it ran fine. Hopefully yours won't take as many trials to fix. I would seriously first look / inspect & test all fuel supply lines to see if they're sucking in air. I wonder if my complications happened because the system ran dry too many times. When I searched the forum I swore it was the infamous K 40, but after installing it,problem persisted. I just sold the car, & gave the K 40 with it. too bad..Good luck.

jim314 · #5 10-26-2006, 11:13 PM

Well that's encouraging

I think the first replacement will be the K40. I can't find any fuel leaks. Now I just got to figure out what a K40 looks like. I know about where it's located after reading all the posts from the search. I hate not having anything to do on the weekends.

TMAllison · #6 10-26-2006, 11:19 PM

In this instance i vote for the K40 relay also. It is probably responsible for cutting power to the shutoff solenoid when driving and the GP relay when trying to start.

The CEL is not on, right?

The K40 is number 98. http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=210020&M=606%2E912&GA=722%2E438722%2E600&GM=717%2E446&CT=F&cat=45P&SID=54&SGR=040&SGN=03

jim314 · #7 10-27-2006, 07:43 AM

Thanks for the link Terry. The CEL doesn't come on until the motor dies. Goes right off after it starts back up.