Mercedes-Benz E350 Engine Is Stalling

Common Causes of Engine Stalling in Your Mercedes-Benz E350 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
30% chance it's the
Fuel System
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15% chance it's the
Air Intake System
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55% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a Mercedes-Benz E350 engine is stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
  • Fuel System: A clogged fuel filter or failing fuel pump can restrict fuel flow, resulting in poor engine performance and starting issues.
  • Air Intake System: A dirty or damaged air filter or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can restrict airflow, leading to reduced engine performance and efficiency.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a Mercedes-Benz E350 engine is stalling?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

If the MAF sensor sends an erroneous signal, a few things happen. The engine's computer will trigger the check engine light, and the on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes will reflect the airflow discrepancy noted by the MAF sensor. Depending on the reported volume of air, the engine may try to compensate for these conditions, causing the engine to burn excessive amounts of fuel and emit black smoke from the exhaust. In this case, the OBD trouble codes would also reference faults recognized by the exhaust oxygen sensors. The engine may also have issues with idling roughly, failing to start, stalling, hesitation, power loss, misfires, and fuel consumption.

»MORE: Signs of a failing mass airflow sensor

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

The most likely symptom of a faulty fuel temperature sensor is a check engine light. When the sensor goes bad, the Engine Control Module signals the driver that there is a problem by turning on the dash light. Poor fuel economy might also be noticed. In some cases, a failing fuel temperature sensor could lead to hard starting of the engine or an engine misfire and poor performance.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

Troubleshooting Engine Stalling Issues in a Mercedes-Benz E350

When faced with engine stalling issues in your Mercedes-Benz E350, it's crucial to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by checking for any warning lights on the dashboard, as these can provide immediate clues about underlying problems, such as fuel system malfunctions or ignition failures. If the check engine light is illuminated, use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can guide you toward specific components that may need attention. Next, inspect the fuel system, starting with the fuel pump and filter, as blockages or failures here are common culprits. Additionally, examine the mass airflow (MAF) sensor, as a malfunction can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to stalling. If these components check out, move on to the ignition system, ensuring that spark plugs and ignition coils are functioning correctly. Lastly, don't overlook electrical components like the OVP relay, which can also contribute to stalling issues. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently identify and resolve the root cause of engine stalling, keeping your E350 running smoothly.

What to Do When Your Mercedes-Benz E350 Engine is Stalling?

When your Mercedes-Benz E350 engine is stalling, it's crucial to identify the common problems that may be at play. A frequent cause of stalling is related to the fuel system, where issues such as a failing fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter can hinder the necessary fuel flow to the engine. Additionally, the air intake system can contribute to the problem; a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the ideal air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues. Ignition system failures, particularly with the ignition coils, are also common, especially in older models, as these components can degrade over time, resulting in misfires and stalling. To accurately diagnose the issue, utilizing an OBD scanner to check for error codes is highly recommended, as it can pinpoint specific malfunctions. Addressing these problems promptly is essential to prevent further damage and ensure that your E350 operates efficiently and safely.

Why is the Engine Stalling in a Mercedes-Benz E350?

When your Mercedes-Benz E350 experiences engine stalling, it’s crucial to act promptly, as this issue can escalate into more severe problems if left unaddressed. Common causes such as a malfunctioning fuel system, air intake issues, or a faulty ignition system can not only disrupt your driving experience but also pose significant safety risks on the road. For instance, if the engine stalls while driving, it can lead to loss of power steering and braking assistance, making it difficult to control the vehicle. Additionally, a malfunctioning Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor can trigger warning lights and diagnostic trouble codes, indicating that the engine management system is compromised. Ignoring these signs may result in further damage to critical components like the fuel pump or ignition system, leading to more extensive repairs and increased costs. Therefore, understanding these potential issues and addressing them swiftly is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

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