Royal Palm Beach’s Top Shop To Tackle Mercedes Crankshaft Position Sensor Problems

If your Mercedes is stalling, won’t start, or exhibits other weird behavior, then don’t wait for the situation to get worse. One of the possible causes of these engine issues is a crankshaft position sensor issue. A crankshaft position sensor is a device that helps the engine control unit determine the position and the speed of the crankshaft, and controls how the crankshaft turns the pistons’ up-and-down movements into power to move the car’s wheels. It relays signals to the ECU to help it determine when to ignite the fuel-air blend and when to inject the fuel.

In other words, the sensor provides the engine computer with the precise timing that is needed for the engine to start and function properly. Without it, your Mercedes won’t know how to time everything properly and that’s when things start going wrong.

Signs of a Failing Crankshaft Sensor

• Warning Light: One of the most common problems associated with the check engine light is the crankshaft sensor. During a diagnostic scan, you should look for error codes associated with the crankshaft position.
• Stalling: Another sign that indicates that your Mercedes has a crankshaft sensor issue is a sudden stalling of the engine. It may begin well and then suddenly stall while the car is in motion or when the engine is running idle. Since the ECU relies on this sensor to time the engine, the absence of the signal can lead to the engine stalling.

Common Causes of Crankshaft Position Sensor Problems

• Heat Exposure: Mercedes engines produce a lot of heat while running, and the crankshaft position sensor is normally positioned close to the engine. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures will cause deterioration of the internal components of the sensor and lead to unstable performance or failure of the entire system.
• Oil Contamination: Oil from nearby seals or gaskets may drip on the crankshaft sensor. When the oil accumulates around the sensor, it interferes with the sensor’s function of identifying the position of the crankshaft.
• Electrical Troubles: Sometimes it is not the sensor that is at fault, but the small wiring of the sensor. Problems like loose or corroded wiring or connectors may interfere with the sensor’s ability to send signals to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Even if the sensor seems to be perfectly fine, the engine may not perform as it should if there is no precise signal.

How To Fix a Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor

• Accessing the Sensor: Once you are sure that the crankshaft position sensor is the root of the issue, the next step is to find it and replace it. In most Mercedes models, this sensor is installed close to the transmission’s bell housing or at the back side of the engine. Since it is usually located in a hard-to-reach area, you need extra caution and the right tools to avoid damaging other parts.
• Replacing the Bad Sensor with a New One: To avoid electrical shorts, the car is raised and the battery is disconnected. The old sensor is then disconnected and a new high-quality OEM sensor is installed in its place. During this process, the wiring harness and electrical connectors are inspected to make sure that there are no faults or signs of wear that may affect the new sensor in any way.
• Testing of the System: After the installation process is done, the engine control unit is cleared of any stored trouble codes. The engine is then started and several diagnostic tools are used to ensure that the sensor is working as expected.

How We Handle Crankshaft Sensor Issues At Milestone Motors

At Milestone Motors, you can be assured of getting your Mercedes treated with the professional care it deserves. When it comes to crankshaft position sensor issues, our experienced team is fully aware of what to expect. We will not just replace random parts, our mechanics will first diagnose the problem to ensure that we are solving the right problem. If your Mercedes is stumbling or won’t start, we’ll use our state-of-the-art equipment to resolve the issue.

Our shop has been dedicated to providing auto repair services to Mercedes owners in Royal Palm Beach, FL and the neighboring communities for years. We will bring your vehicle back to its optimal condition and ensure that you drive away from our shop confidently. Visit us today or book an appointment by calling us now.