E420 Crankshaft Position Sensor
 

I am getting a DTC 17 on socket 17, which indicates that the crankshaft position sensor (L5) is defective. Does anyone know where this sensor is located and how difficult it is to change? Thanks.

Hope this Helps.

CPS is located behind the engine, pretty much where the transmission and engine meet, on the top side.

Thanks. Can it be accessed and removed easily? The pdf doesn't help too much. I'm getting no indication of a hard start or even a rough idle. I just found the code when I was clearing it today after about 6 months of not clearing them all. If it's no big job to replace, I will order the part and plan on doing it before it actually starts to cause noticeable problems.

That code will always be there IF the engine isn't running!

Don't waste your time or $$$ since the car does run.

Okay, MBDoc, you talked me out of it. I'll take that off my list of things to do. Thanks!

Crankshaft position sensor for 2001 CLK320
 

I appreciate all of the threads with advices on how to replace the CPS. My dilemma is getting the bolt off to remove the old CPS even with WD40. I can't even seem to loosen the bolt not to mention how hard it is to get to. I can only go by feel since I can't see the bolt and it's in a very tight place to even get a tool in there. Can you tell me what's the best tool to use to get in this tight place. I am trying it with a 6mm small socket wrench. The funny thing is that after I unplugged the wiring from the sensor and cleaned the connector with air to clean it out and plugged it back in I was able to start the car miraculously. Perhaps the wiring was loose or the connector was dirty? Do you think this problem with come back if I don't replace the existing CPS?

Respose to 'Zunger':

Give the bolt about a dozen gentle taps with a small hammer. It will come loose.

The bolt is Torx, so use the correct socket, and not a regular 6 or 12-point socket.

Clean the tip of the CPS, which picks up small metal particles, and can throw an error code, or cause the engine to not start at all.

Did mine a few months ago in my 92 400E! Mine got stuck so to was a PITA!! Don't try to take it out from the bottom go from the top. Remove the small hose thats in the way, and put a jack with a block of wood under the engine and tilt the engine for better access. Mine was stuck so bad I had to take the trans out and replace the plate and sensor. Good Luck!!!