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Mercedes-Benz vehicles are well known for their prestige and luxury, but despite their high reputation, they still encounter problems from time-to-time. One of the more common problems that can occur with a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 is a faulty crankshaft position sensor. The most noticeable symptom of a faulty crankshaft position sensor on a 2001 SLK 320 is an engine that cranks but wont start. This is because the powertrain control module, or PCM, cannot determine when to fire the spark plugs inside the engine cylinders. Because the crankshaft position sensor is a non-serviceable part, it must be replaced when faulty.

Instructions

Removal

1

Engage the parking brake and open the hood. Remove the plastic engine paneling by lifting up on it until it pops loose.

2

Pull the intake tube out of the air cleaner box, and then remove the intake tube from the throttle body outlet by gently pulling on it. Pull the air cleaner housing off of the cylinder head cover and then remove the entire air cleaner assembly from the engine bay.

3

Locate the crankshaft position sensor on the back side of the engine block, next to the transmission bell housing, between the firewall and the left cylinder head. The sensor is black and has a single black wire connector attached to it.

4

Disconnect the sensors electrical connector and remove the bolt holding the sensor to the engine block. Pull the sensor out of the engine block. If it stubborn, caully remove it using a slip-joint pliers, moving slowly to ensure that the sensor doesnt break off inside the block.

Installation

5

Grease the sensor with a small amount of clean engine oil and insert it into the block until its fully-seated. Reinstall the sensors retaining bolt and tighten it to 71-inch pounds with a torque wrench.

6

Reconnect the crank sensors electrical connector.

7

Set the air cleaner assembly into position and press it down on top of the cylinder head cover until it snaps into place. Reconnect the air cleaner tube to the air box and the throttle body air housing.

8

Place the plastic engine paneling in position on top of the engine and press down on it until it locks in place. Plug the Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnosis scan tool into the vehicles communication port and run the CKP re-sync procedure.

Cranking means that a vehicles engine will turn over and eventually start. The term comes from the cranking amps that are described on batteries. These numbers will vary by battery and vehicle. If your Jeep is not starting, there are a few potential reasons that you can examine and troubleshoot yourself. Some problems will require a professional in order to do the work correctly.

Instructions

1

Lift the hood of the Jeep. Sometimes, the Jeep will not crank because the battery leads and cables are dirty or corroded. You may notice a creamy green and white coloration on the battery that looks like baking soda. This is actually blocking the battery from sending power to the starter. Remove the cables and polish the battery with the wire brush. Tighten them with the wrench. Try starting the Jeep.

2

Jump-start the jeep with another car and your jumper cables. Remember to place red on red and black on black when you are placing the cables. Turn the key. If the engine is whirring but still not turning over, you may need a new battery.

3

Take the battery out by removing the two nuts on the top of the battery. Your local auto parts store can check the battery and give you a print out stating if you need a new battery. If you need a battery replace it and install it in the Jeep. Try starting the Jeep. If it is not starting you may have another problem.

4

Listen for a whirring sound. If you are getting a whirring sound you may have a grounding problem somewhere on the vehicle. Check the wire leads around the alternator. The alternator is located near the battery on the top left of the engine as you are looking at it from the front bumper. It will have a pulley and a belt around it. If there are no loose wires or frayed wires, then you may have a bad alternator that is not transferring power back to the battery.

5

Listen for a clicking sound. Lack of a whirring sound, along with the presence of clicking sound, means that you have a bad starter solenoid. This will require a professional mechanic to replace.