I was on my way to get gasoline, I was a little low but I still knew I had another 10 miles or so left in the tank before I was out. I pulled into a gas station that was absolutely packed, so I left and started down the road. I have the automatic and I was using electronic shifting, got it into 3rd and the gas quit responding. I repeatedly attempted to give it gas but it wasn't responding. I downshifted and braked to a stop and tried to start it again and it would continue to turn over but wouldn't crank. Even if I tried to start it and let go it would continue to attempt to start itself for another 7 or 8 seconds, but wouldn't start. After getting more gas and getting about 1/4 tank of gasoline, it still wouldn't start. I let it sit for a very long time then started it, it did start then died quickly after. I let it sit again for a while and it did start after repeated attempts again, I drove it to the dealer and parked it. They are checking it today, well actually they should have started checking it an hour ago.

I don't trust this dealer, they look for essentially anything they can to charge me for (they charged me $64 dollars to hook a computer to the car and not get any results). I'm really worried what they're going to come back and say.

Has anyone had this happen to them? Does anyone know what this might be before they come back and say one of a thousand things and charge me for a thousand things?

Please Help.

 

Sounds like the engine is starved for gas.

When the key is turned to the ON/RUN position can you hear the fuel pump running ? If not the fuse may be blown or the pump failed.

Do you hear the pump run? Then the Simplest, most probable cause is a blockage in the fuel filter. It might be partly clogged. Hope for this because it's a cheap easy fix !

Slim

 

Well that is what I hoped. I drove to Atlanta friday for a Braves game (don't hold that against me) and got gas at a shady gas station that probably hadn't sold the 93 octane that I purchased in a decade. I thought maybe it got so low that it picked up something in the filter and that's what it was. It most likely wouldn't be the fuel pump or a fuse if it ran at all would it? It was a loud highway that I broke down on so I couldn't hear whether the fuel pump was going or not unfortunately.

 

If you are still running the original fuel filter, get it changed. Might fix the problem and it sure won't hurt anything. You really don't want crud and debris getting to your injectors.

Good Luck !

Slim

 

some vehicle manufactures suggest that you not run the tank down to empty. besides the oblivious reasons you can damage the fuel pump because the gas is used as a coolant for the pump, so that it doesn't over heat. the worst thing any one can do to a fuel pump is run them dry that will damage impellers and bearings in some models, not very smart.

 

If the fuel system checks out, I am placing a bet on the Crank shaft position sensor. A failing sensor will do exactly what you are describing. Scanning the codes will confirm this. Did you check engine light come on? Starving the system for gas is not a good thing either though. Let us know what they tell you.

 

I don't think it's ran out of gas once, and this certainly didn't seem like one of those times.

The Check Engine light did come on and they hadn't scanned the codes since the last time I checked. Crank shaft sensor, hmm, sounds expensive too, haha.

 

**update**

I called out there and guess what...the Check Engine light cleared itself and the car is running fine. They have taken it for two test runs.

Wtf mate?

 

They are telling me it's a crankshaft sensor, total amount would be $290 something including labor.

 

Just what I suspected. The part can be had from Napa, but they might have to order it which depending on the time of day when you order it you may get it the same day. This is very easy to change and takes only about five minutes. Do yourself will save about $200. You will need a torx screw driver. You would also have to drive it home or tow it. When these go bad you may only drive a mile before the engine dies and you have to wait sometimes 20 minutes before it will restart. You may want to ask the dealer how much they are charging for the sensor and then ask why they are charging $200 for a five minute fix. I have done this before and know exactly how long it takes. You can see this sensor at the back of the engine around the top of the bell housing area. There is one torx screw holding it in and a plug you disconnect.

 

Here's my experience: Crankshaft Position Sensor

 

DanielNTX,

I tried to find the code scanner you bought on Ebay. I found one that looks like yours but I think it says something different just below the screen. I would like to get one of these. Would you mind posting a link to the one you have if there is currently one on Ebay? Thank you.

My last car was an ML320 and the crank sensor was a common problem with them and will probably be a common problem for us as our cars get a little older. It is an easy fix and cost me about $80 for the sensor from my local Napa.