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Every vehicle has its shortcomings—even Mercedes cars. Although they’re some of the most world-renown vehicles on the market today, and have been for decades, they still encounter their fair share of problems. For instance, in the Mercedes-Benz CL500, crankshaft position sensor failure is one of the more common problems to run up against—especially as the car accrues mileage. In this article, we’ll go over what the crankshaft position sensor does, how you can spot failure, and what you can do to prevent it.
What is the Crankshaft Position Sensor?
Today’s modern vehicles are designed with a technologically-advanced perspective, allowing cars to be effectively run by computer hardware and software. In order for these systems to work optimally, they require various inlets for incoming information detected around the rest of the vehicle. Therefore, your Mercedes is equipped with different sensors that relay information to the control centers of the car, mainly the car’s ECU—engine control unit. In an internal combustion engine, the crankshaft position sensor is responsible for detecting the speed and position of the crankshaft, then relaying the information to the car’s computer to fine-tune engine functioning based on the car’s current condition and needs.
The Mercedes-Benz CL500 Sensor Issue
In several different year models of the Mercedes-Benz CL500, mainly models from the years 2000-2006, the crankshaft position sensor is known to fail prematurely. There are several reasons why this occurs, but mainly it’s due to a design deficit of the vehicle. For instance, electrical components can burn out or fail, causing the sensor to fail as well. To detect issues with the crankshaft position sensor in your Mercedes, it is critical to have a Mercedes specialist perform a thorough diagnostic procedure.
Common Signs that the Sensor is Failing
When you bring your car to your automotive specialist, they often will try to recreate the symptoms you describe to them. That’s why it’s so important to pay close attention to how your car is behaving. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms to look out for that may indicate the crankshaft position sensor is failing in your Mercedes:
Check-Engine Light Comes On
The check-engine light serves as a warning to the driver. It illuminates for many different reasons, including crankshaft position sensor failure. Using special tools and equipment, your Mercedes specialists will read the computer coding emitted from your car’s ECU, letting them know where the problem is being detected and giving them a direction for a more accurate diagnosis.
Engine Stalling or Misfiring
If you own a Mercedes-Benz, then it can be especially alarming to experience engine stalling or misfiring. Driving a Mercedes is usually synonymous with durability, longevity, and reliability, and crankshaft position sensor failure can produce highly concerning symptoms. If you experience engine stalling or misfiring, it is critical to have the problem checked out and diagnosed right away.
Engine Starting Problems
There are a number of possible reasons why your Mercedes’ engine won’t start, which is why it is essential to have crankshaft position sensor failure diagnosed by a Mercedes professional. Engine starting problems are inconvenient, but worth the time to have properly inspected.
What You Can Do to Prevent Issues
There are several things you can do to prevent crankshaft position sensor failure in your own Mercedes. If you own a CL500 model, especially from the years of 2000-2006, it’s best to follow your maintenance plan set for by the Mercedes manufacturers, but with guidance from a Mercedes specialist/expert. Along with the vehicle’s engineering and design, your own driving habits and conditions may contribute to premature crankshaft position sensor failure. Therefore, it is best to approach all maintenance and repairs taking into account all sources of information. Preventive maintenance and assertive auto care is the best way to prevent your crankshaft position sensor, or other parts, from failing on you.
Why It’s Important to Hire a Mercedes Specialist
The Mercedes experts here at Hayes European have served the communities of Santa Cruz, Aptos, Soquel, and Capitola, CA, for over 2 decades. Since 1995, our exceptional customer service and extensive knowledge and experience has kept our clients coming back. If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned issues related to a failing crankshaft position sensor, please contact us right away to schedule an inspection for your Mercedes.