Mercedes are classic European vehicles with a modern design. They are highly reliable, durable, and are a pleasure to drive as long as they are running properly. To keep your Mercedes in proper working order, it is imperative that you have the necessary service and regular maintenance performed. By doing so, your mechanic can perform visual checks of your crankshaft position sensor and look for damaged wires, a dirty sensor, and inspect the harness connector.
What is the crankshaft position sensor?
The crankshaft position sensor is a component found on most modern vehicles that have an internal combustion engine. It monitors the rotation speed and the position of the crankshaft. It sends the collected data to the engine control unit. If the crankshaft position sensor is failing, the engine will not be able to run.
What causes sensor failure?
As your Mercedes ages, the components can wear out. Sensor failure can be caused by a faulty circuit, bad connector, or a faulty sensor. Two common issues that lead to failure are an overheating engine and circuitry issues.
If you are experiencing crankshaft sensor failure, do not continue to drive your vehicle. A bad sensor can lead to additional damage and expensive repairs, and the car can stop working. Continuing to drive with a faulty sensor can be challenging and possibly dangerous.
Symptoms of a Failing Crankshaft Position Sensor
Usually, there will be some warning signs when you have a failing sensor. A failing sensor may produce any of the following symptoms.
Vehicle is Hard to Start or Won’t Start
Without the proper amount of fuel, your vehicle will have problems starting. If the sensor has completely failed, your car will not start.
Stalling
If the fuel injectors are not providing the fuel that is needed, or there are wiring issues, the engine might stall.
Acceleration Issues
If the sensor isn’t providing the correct information, the engine will have issues trying to maintain a constant speed, resulting in uneven acceleration.
Reduced Gas Mileage
When the crankshaft position sensor is failing, it isn’t providing accurate information. Since the engine isn’t running efficiently, it will consume more fuel.
Check Engine Light
When your Mercedes notices that there is a potential problem with the sensor, it will trigger the check engine light. This light can come on for a number of reasons, so if yours is lit, make sure that you have it checked out right away. A certified Mercedes mechanic can run a diagnostic scan and find out what exactly activated the light.
Engine Misfires
A failing crankshaft position sensor can lead to misfiring cylinders. The sensor isn’t providing the proper data that is needed for piston positioning which leads to the misfire.
Engine Idles Roughly
A rough idling engine is also caused by bad improper spark timing. The shaking is usually noticeable when sitting still.
Increased Emissions
If you live in an area that performs smog checks and your Mercedes failed, it could be due to a bad camshaft position sensor.
Smell of Gas Coming From Exhaust Pipe
When the engine receives too much gas, you may begin to notice the smell of gas coming from your exhaust pipe.
Replacing Your Crankshaft Position Sensor
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment today to have your Mercedes fixed. Addressing issues right away is important for preventing additional failures and higher service bills. Many of these symptoms may be caused by other failures, and proper diagnostics need to be performed to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.
Crankshaft position sensor replacement is not very expensive, and taking care of it now can save you additional money in the future. At Germany’s Best Inc., our ASE certified master technicians can get your Mercedes fixed and back on the road in no time.
Quality You Can Count On
Whether you are in need of routine maintenance or crankshaft position sensor replacement, give us a call. Our mechanics will provide you with the best service around, and you will see what makes our shop number one. Call us at 510-658-8948 or visit our shop at 5291 College Ave. Germany’s Best Inc. is located in Oakland, CA and is conveniently near Berkeley, Emeryville, and Piedmont.