W210 code P0215 and loss of power - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muleears · #1 01-11-2008, 05:00 PM

When leaving a stoplight at a brisk pace my car lost power and seemed to misfire for 4-5 seconds. Power eventually came back sufficiently to get me up to speed. Drove about 5 mi. and made a quick stop and noticed it took a second to shut off, not instantly like it usually does. Upon restarting I get a CEL "check engine electronics" When starting to drive I note the car is running fine but lacking power. It also seemed quieter than normal. When the accelerator is pressed it just slowly accelerates, doesn't downshift like it usually does. So I drove to Advance Auto to get the code read. P0215 fuel shutoff solenoid was the only code. Made sense as it was taking longer to shut off. When we started to drive home I noted the power was back and the engine sounded like it used to. Power stayed fine all the way home. What is going on

TMAllison · #2 01-11-2008, 06:08 PM

Cal - Check the bottom of your shutoff valve for leaks using a flashlight and mirror. It has an oring sealing it to teh IP. Mine had a very small leak that caused a 1/2 sec delay to shut down.

Because you had poor perfromance too, it is possible the valve itself was sticking or is going bad.

muleears · #3 01-11-2008, 06:33 PM

Thanks Terry, You don't think it could be the dreaded K40 do you? I'll check for a leak in the morning. Why would it have power, then not, then have it again?

TMAllison · #4 01-11-2008, 06:42 PM

I could only see that happening if the valve were sticky and did not fully open and reduced fuel supply???

If your K40 is +5 years old you prob should jsut repalce it as preventative maint.....Its cost is equal to one tow.

muleears · #5 01-11-2008, 07:49 PM

Do I have to take the IM off to get to this stuff?

TMAllison · #6 01-11-2008, 11:27 PM

No.

Undo the nut holding the windsheild washer bottle, disconnect the electrical plug and then flip it up and out of your way and jsut reach under and look/feel around.

You'll need a mirror/flashlight and may need to spray it clean and drive for a day or two first if it is dirty now. Diesel oil is tricky. Can wick up and mislead you where it is comming from. Helps if everything was clean for a day b4 you look.

I've not read all your old posts...... You mentioned the K40 and I know you had other issues in the past couple of months. K40 could have mili-second type faults while driving where electrical signal is interrputed causing valve to partially close then open again affecting perfromance......good news in that event is that it is even easier to replace than the SOV oring.

muleears · #7 01-12-2008, 04:25 AM

There haven't been any other issues with the car, only this one. Would a leaking O ring cause a CEL, or cause the solenoid to act up?

TMAllison · #8 01-12-2008, 12:58 PM

Yes.

A couple of us have gotten PO215 when we have had minor leaking at that oring.

My light would trigger at shutdown (delayed) and be lit up the next time it was started, although it ran fine. Others would get the light while driving.

muleears · #9 01-19-2008, 05:43 PM

Well I replaced the SOV and the O ring. Bought the SOV at the stealership cause I need to leave tuesday for Philly. $215, incl. the O ring. The bolts came out relatively easily. One was somewhat gnarled. Got some hex heads at the hardware store to replace them. One worked fine the other was a little too short so I had to use the good remaining torx. Started it up, drove it about three miles and the light went out. I just hope it stays out

as I go on my 700mi. odyssey Tuesday.