1998 E320 Check Engine Electronics - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Benzstar · #1 08-05-2004, 07:20 PM

I am getting this malfunction reading. Should I reset or get it diagnosed by dealer? Can Autozone check it?

Gilly · #2 08-05-2004, 08:39 PM

You should find out what the trouble code is. Should be an OBDII code, so Autozone may be able to find out what it is. If they don't know what the code means, be sure to write it down and post it here what the code is. I assume the car seems to be running OK?

Gilly

Benzstar · #3 08-06-2004, 12:21 PM

Gilly,

I will go to Autozone to get code checked. The car is running, but since my wife drives this car, I want to make sure that the car will not stall.

ps: I would also like to discuss "won't start" problem with my 1990 300E, 3.0. I have been posting this problem for about two months & still could not find the solution. May be you can help. How do you e-mail you the problem discription?

Thanks

Gilly · #4 08-07-2004, 04:36 AM

At the bottom of my posts (and most peoples posts) there is an icon (button) you can click on that says "email", or you can use the "PM" (private message), but I'd rather answer questions here so others can benefit from the discussion.

Gilly

Southern · #5 08-07-2004, 11:02 AM

Based on my experience with a 98 E320 and other posts regarding E320's, a check engine electronics message usually has been the cause of a mass air flow sensor going bad.

But as Gilly as suggested get the codes to verify the cause of the check electronics message.

djantlive · #6 08-07-2004, 03:11 PM

Is the gas cap tightly on the car? check that first.

Then, read the code. The $200 scanner will tell you a code and message instead of just a code alone. Replace the sensor and drive happy.

Benzstar · #7 08-09-2004, 08:25 AM

1998 E320

Gilly,

Autozone checked the codes. These are: 0170 ( Fuel trim malfuction,bank 1) and 0173 ( fuel trim malfunction bank 2). The car does not seem to have problem in running.

What do these codes mean in terms of hardware? Please let me know. Thanks

stevebfl · #8 08-09-2004, 08:49 AM

Usually means a bad Air Mass meter. There are real tests and adaptation numbers available with proper tools. That code means the ability to adapt has reached the end of range. There are two forms of adaptation involved and the first step would be to look at the numbers and see which is at the end of range. turns out that unless you have a vacuum leak or low fuel pressure, you most likely need an AMM.

Benzstar · #9 08-09-2004, 11:35 AM

Gilly,

Thanks. How big a job is this? Approximate replacement cost of air flow meter. By the way, last year, dealer replaced fuel pump under extended warranty. Is this problem related to that? Of, course, the warranty expired now.

Benzstar · #10 08-09-2004, 01:27 PM

Steve,

Sorry, I didn't notice that you replied to my question. By mistake I addressed to Gilly. I would appreeciate your input.

Also, I have been posting question regarding my 1990 300E "won't start" problem. The car cranks but won't start. I have replaced cap,rotor, accumulator. Dealer told me to replace cap & rotor. Now he is saying to replace FD. MAS & OVP are working. Previously, car will run when I add fuel in air intake. But, per dealer recommendation, I opened top of FD, checked plunger and sprayed WD-40. Now, the car cranks, but won't stay running when I add fuel to air intake.

Thanks

stevebfl · #11 08-09-2004, 04:48 PM

I have no idea about the answer to how much. I'm a technician, as such I do best with questions such as: how does it work. I'm not so good on : how does it come apart. I'm much better on what do we test next, and why.

Your car doesn't start because it doesn't have the right combination or spark fuel and compression. It could have been spark and I would have had you test there first, CAN you test? You surely have a fuel problem now if you took the fuel distributor apart. There are techniques for all of it. Where do you want to start.

Gilly · #12 08-09-2004, 05:52 PM

I agree with the diagnosis, 90+% of the time the mass airflow sensor is the problem I don't think the fuel pump that was replaced ties in with this at all.

Check with Fastlane on the part to help support this site (and fancy new server and stuff), probably in the neighborhood of $250 and it;s easily replaced, you may have to either live with the check engine display in the cluster or get the code erased, maybe the Zone will do it for you.

Yeah, dismantling the fuel dist isn't something you normally want to undertake, unsure what to tell you now. Is it running at all now, or just sometimes not starting like you originally said?

Gilly

Southern · #13 08-09-2004, 08:23 PM

From my experience, clearing the code won't solve the problem. The message will come back. Based on the new emissions law in Illinois, a check engine light will automatically fail emissions. They used to test the exhaust gas with a check engine light to see if it would pass emissions but not anymore.

When installing the new MAS make sure that the gasket seals tightly (no air leaks).

Great new server - nice touch that you can preview the first sentence or two by placing the cursor over the post.