[uofmrapper]

Hello,

I am having a similar problem to ones found in the following posts:

INTERMITTENT STARTING PROBLEMS
MY SLK230 WON'T START AND STALL 3X
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r17...tart-engine-stall-problem.html?highlight=died

My SLK230 will randomly choose to not start sometimes (no crank, no sound, just some loud fan noise from under the hood) and it stalls out on me somtimes while driving. It finally didn't start for me last Friday night for about a 1 hour period and I had it towed into the dealer. Of course it started this morning when the dealer tried it and they said it has been starting every time they tried it today. I had it in a couple weeks ago for the same thing (except I was able to drive it in that time) but they said no codes were showing. This time they are saying that three codes are showing: C1022, B1701, B1040. They are wanting to replace the Engine Control Module and the K40 relay. altogether they are saying it will be $1734!!!! for just the K40 they are quoting $263.

I told them about what i had found online about the Crankshaft Position Sensor but they are saying that since it is not cranking then it can't be that.

Not sure what to do from here, can anyone shine a little more light on these codes (from what they told me that have to do w/ CAN communication with the ECM). Should I override their suggestion and instruct them to just order and replace the CPS? Any help would be appreciated. Especially from those with prior experience with this problem. Thanks.

 

[Dave]

When my CPS was bad the car would crank but not start - sorta like when your battery is weak. I do believe replacing the ECM is expensive so the price does not seem way out of line but still not great news.

 

[Bazzle]

Unfortunately youve exhausted nearly all home fixes.
I would ask for a money back guarantee if fault still there after ECU changed and fault still there?

Bazzle

 

[amcfall]

Not sure but please let us know what it was. Too many people come here when they have an issue but never post the resolution!

Thanks,

Avery

 

[Geo.]

I towed my car home for the first time last week. Same problem, about an hour after I had it home the car started with no problem. Took it out for a test drive after removing the CPS and knocking it on the bench a few times. Stalled again just as I turned into the driveway. Removed the K40 board and the second solder connection at the top popped off the minute I nudged it. Resoldered all of the connections that looked suspect and have put 500 miles on the car since with no problem. Considered replacing the k40 board and was quoted $177. Very easy to remove and replace. Search the treads and there are plenty of pictures on everything I've mentioned. 99% sure that's your problem (although advice is worth what you pay for it).

 

[Bazzle]

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r17...nks-4-new-members-repost-8.html?highlight=k40

Down the page to K40

Bazzle

 

[tasmm]

I have a 99 slk230 and it has the same stalling & fail to start problem as 'uofmrapper'. It dies unexpectedly, and wont crank and appears dead for a while, but an hour later it starts perfectly fine. I pulled out the k40 relay box and checked the solder joints - son of a gun it has the same bad solder joint on one of the 'A' connector pins soldered to the circuit board. There are also signs of overheating on the board there. I re-soldered it and it starts fine. This is an apparent chronic design flaw with the SLK K40 electronics board, but easy to fix. Must be vibration cracking the joint.

 

[AnaHouston]

My 230 SLK had the same issues- wouldn't start at times, although the battery was fine.I thought it had something to do with the lock and alarm system. I read this forum explaining that it was the K40 Relay. Sure enough, Mercedes Roadside Assistance came out and I mentioned reading online that it could be the relay. The Tech took out the K40 (kept it attached), shook it, and popped it back into the spot. The car started. He said that he sees the K40 box being the issue on others' cars too. The part is a special order and is about $300 including taxes. It is a DIY replacement.