Mercedes offers quality, durability, and high-tech amenities that make one-time Mercedes buyers lifetime Mercedes owners, despite being more expensive than rival brands. The outward appearance of a Mercedes vehicle portrays the beauty of a premium vehicle, with the superb build quality.
Compared to other luxury vehicles, Mercedes has a relative amount of problems. One of the parts that help to optimize the engine function of your Mercedes is the camshaft position sensor. When a camshaft position sensor fails, it loses its capacity to relay data fast.
While you’re driving, the camshaft position sensor collects data on your Mercedes’s camshaft speeds. It then sends that information to the ECM, or Engine Control Module, to optimize ignition power and other operations.
The Function of the Camshaft Sensor
The task of the camshaft sensor is to work with the crankshaft sensor to define the exact position of the crankshaft drive. Through the combination of both sensor inputs, the engine unit determines when the first cylinder is in the top dead center.
While you’re driving, the camshaft position sensor collects data on your Mercedes’s camshaft speeds. Which is later transferred to the engine control module. The ECM in your Mercedes will then utilize this information to modify the ignition timing as well as the fuel injectors, which are in charge of providing gas to your engine. Without all these pieces of information, your Mercedes’s engine will not perform efficiently at your command.
Signs of a Failing Camshaft Position Sensor
- As the signal from the camshaft position sensor deteriorates, the signal it sends to the vehicle’s ECM deteriorates as well. The signal and the engine will switch off after a while. This can happen while you are driving or while your vehicle is parked. If you notice this, the sensor may need to be replaced. This should not be ignored as it could eventually lead to a total shutdown of the engine.
- The check engine light can come on for different reasons. It can be due to a faulty camshaft position sensor. It is best to have your Mercedes or vehicle inspected by a professional. You might develop a serious engine problem if you ignore the check engine light.
- There will be a lot of stalling, idling, and a decrease in engine speed. In addition to stalling, a poor camshaft can also lead to engine misfiring which may cause vibrations while accelerating.
- Your vehicle may not be able to accelerate if there is a camshaft sensor problem. Indirect fuel distribution via the injectors might cause poor acceleration.
These problems should be addressed immediately because your engine can go into limp mode. This will cause the less important component of your car to switch off and the speed of your car will be reduced. This allows you to slowly drive to the nearest auto repair center for assistance.
How to Deal with a Camshaft Position Failure
The camshaft position sensor may fail or become worn down over time due to accidents or general wear and tear. You can try to DIY this, but it can be tricky. A tiny amount of solvent should be sprayed on the sensor. Clean it with a dry rag, tighten the screws, and replace the camshaft sensor. Connect the negative battery cable and reconnect the three wires in their original places.
If you are not comfortable performing this on your Mercedes at home, bring your vehicle to our auto technicians for professional repair of the camshaft sensor.
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. for Your Mercedes
Schearer’s Sales and Service, Inc. is Allentown’s leading European automotive service center and pre-owned dealership. Our goal is to keep your vehicle on the road rather than in the shop. For that reason, we perform evaluation on your Mercedes or vehicle and inform you of any potential problems or upcoming maintenance needs.
We are the best in the area, and you can trust us to fix the camshaft position failure in your Mercedes. Our priority is to make sure your car is always safe for you and your family. We help drivers throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA. Give us a call at 610-395-2514 to schedule an appointment with us today!