Technical Engine sudden stop while driving

[Sailer]

New here and intrigued by the knowledge and help from members.
My 2002 camper, 2.8ltr diesel, sometimes the engine simply switched while driving. No specific situations. Sometimes this happens while cruising on the motoway, sometimes in the middle of a junction, sometimes when changing gears. Every time though the dash goes dead. Switching OFF the ignition and restarting would mostly work.
I have just changed the battery as the old one was dead (which killed the airbag computer).
Since then no further problems for a few weeks until now. Dash completely dead, engine would crank but not start.
I am at a loss, so is my mechanic. Any suggestions?

 

[Communicator]

New here and intrigued by the knowledge and help from members.
My 2002 camper, 2.8ltr diesel, sometimes the engine simply switched while driving. No specific situations. Sometimes this happens while cruising on the motoway, sometimes in the middle of a junction, sometimes when changing gears. Every time though the dash goes dead. Switching OFF the ignition and restarting would mostly work.
I have just changed the battery as the old one was dead (which killed the airbag computer).
Since then no further problems for a few weeks until now. Dash completely dead, engine would crank but not start.
I am at a loss, so is my mechanic. Any suggestions?

2002 was a model change year. Is this an x230 model with reverse gear below fifth, or an x244 model with reverse gear next to first gear. Presumably engine is 2.8jtd?

 

[Sailer]

It is the latter. Reverse near 1st gear with shift on gear stick.
2.8 jtd.

 

[varesecrazy]

Have you changed the battery to chassis Earth cable?

They can break down internally,

Being disturbed at Battery change might be a clue..

 

[Sailer]

The battery was changed a few weeks ago. The problem has stared a couple of years ago.
I have not changed th earth cable yet.
Will do that after easter.

 

[bugsymike]

The battery was changed a few weeks ago. The problem has stared a couple of years ago.
I have not changed th earth cable yet.
Will do that after easter.

Any chance it is a faulty ignition switch?
See if you can replicate the problem by wriggling the ignition key when engine running or shaking any of the related wiring in that area.
Reason being, if simply turning ignition off and restarting works then a poor ignition switch contact could be the cause.

 

[Communicator]

Has problem occurred during darkness? In some scenarios you could loose everthing, including the lights, but I think that you would have mentioned that.
Perhaps like me you do minimal night driving with MH.

 

[Mike1alike]

First thing to check or even just replace is the crankshaft positioning sensor.

 

[Sailer]

Has problem occurred during darkness? In some scenarios you could loose everthing, including the lights, but I think that you would have mentioned that.
Perhaps like me you do minimal night driving with MH.

Not sure at this moment. Will check weather the lights come on when the dash is dead.
Would that give a clue?

 

[Communicator]

First thing to check or even just replace is the crankshaft positioning sensor.

That would stop the engine, and probably rpm, but dash dead? Do you realise how easy it isn't to reach the crank sensor on a 2.8jtd?

 

[Sailer]

That would stop the engine, and probably rpm, but dash dead?

Yes. dash dead. Usually the engine could be restarted by switching OFF ignition and restart. Engine would start with dash coming back on at the same time.

 

[Communicator]

Have you changed the battery to chassis Earth cable?

They can break down internally,

Being disturbed at Battery change might be a clue..

The battery was changed a few weeks ago. The problem has stared a couple of years ago.
I have not changed th earth cable yet.
Will do that after easter.

On the x244, the battery negative cable drops to the chassis below the front end of the battery to the main chassis earth point to which the connection is made by a flag terminal, inside which corrosion has only been reported on rare occasions. The same cable continues under the intercooler and radiator, until it terminates on an extended starter motor stud, to form the engine earth. Not as simple as replacing an x250 earth strap, which are notorious. Worth inspecting, cleaning up chassis earth point, and applying vaseline, but check condition before replacing.

 

[Sailer]

Will check and replace if necessary. Thank you.

 

[Communicator]

Any chance it is a faulty ignition switch?
See if you can replicate the problem by wriggling the ignition key when engine running or shaking any of the related wiring in that area.
Reason being, if simply turning ignition off and restarting works then a poor ignition switch contact could be the cause.

To elborate, the actual ignition switch has its axis a right angle to the key with the terminals pointing roughly forward. To access the terminals the lower steerting column cover needs to be removed. 4 off No.2 Pozidrive screws, plus halves clip together. Screws are fiddly to replace.

 

[Sailer]

To elborate, the actual ignition switch has its axis a right angle to the key with the terminals pointing roughly forward. To access the terminals the lower steerting column cover needs to be removed. 4 off No.2 Pozidrive screws, plus halves clip together. Screws are fiddly to replace.

Just my kind of work. fiddely screwes..lol.
I will check. The fact thet the problem mostly happens while driving makes me wonder though.
Might not be one singel prolem but a accumulation off...

 

[Mike1alike]

That would stop the engine, and probably rpm, but dash dead? Do you realise how easy it isn't to reach the crank sensor on a 2.8jtd?

Sorry, I missed the dead dash part. You are right.

 

[Sailer]

Over easter I have tried starting the engine. Turning over the key and the dash would not come on. turning the key further to start and the engine would crank but not start while the dash stayed dead. Only once did it work. The dash would come o as normal and the engine would start as easy as allways.
I am suspecting the ignitian cirquitry but can not fuid a wiring diagram that showes the origin of the wires.

 

[bugsymike]

Over easter I have tried starting the engine. Turning over the key and the dash would not come on. turning the key further to start and the engine would crank but not start while the dash stayed dead. Only once did it work. The dash would come o as normal and the engine would start as easy as allways.
I am suspecting the ignitian cirquitry but can not fuid a wiring diagram that showes the origin of the wires.

Just to confirm or not re the ignition switch it's self, take the steering consul cover off so ignition switch connections are exposed, then using a volt meter, check where power is on each key position and make a note of it.
Then what ever happens each time turning the key make a note of the same readings from the voltmeter, so when it works normally see what wires are live and what are not and the same when it fails to work.
If the readings are the same either way, then it should indicate that the fault is not at the ignition switch, but at least you will have eliminated it from your search.

 

[Sailer]

Just to confirm or not re the ignition switch it's self, take the steering consul cover off so ignition switch connections are exposed, then using a volt meter, check where power is on each key position and make a note of it.
Then what ever happens each time turning the key make a note of the same readings from the voltmeter, so when it works normally see what wires are live and what are not and the same when it fails to work.
If the readings are the same either way, then it should indicate that the fault is not at the ignition switch, but at least you will have eliminated it from your search.

Good thinking. Thanks.

 

[Communicator]

Sorry just going out. Attached is my own ignition switch diagram, for x244. To read it, note that there is a circuit across the switch wher a dark square is shown. You are looking for a possible failure of the connection between A2 (Supply), and A1 (Ignition).