Can Autozone check the codes on my 2001 E320, or is the computer system too complex for their reader. Is their any risk of damage from not using a Mercedes specialist. Thanks in advance.

***there*** - Back to third grade

PCM codes are required to be present at the under-dash OBD-II data link connector since '96 in the US. Those can be read and reset with that port. These codes also trigger the MIL (Check Engine light).

Unfortunately, your car has a bunch of computers that do not communicate with the ODB-II port, and an OBD-II reader is useless for them. So it depends on what's wrong.

Rlg,

I used to run to Auto Zone when I had a check engine light, or to clear a code..as was stated if it's a complex problem you may need the MB laptop.

I also found that if you buy the handheld computer for about 150 bucks....you will never see the check engine light again!

But, you will be a hero to your friends with a "check engine" light on..

__________________
Jeff

97 E320, ours 217,000miles
91 190E 2.6 daily driver 242,000miles
74 MGB,mine 120,000?
2006 BE350/Proline 21, 50 hours

I prefer Jeff's idea. Buy your own and learn how to use it. Simple instructions accompany these units. The $100-$150 unit connects underneath the steering area(approximate) and will pull what was mentioned above.

You'll save time and money and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

I wouldn't trust Auto Zone to predict a sun rise. Their employees like most of these mass-marketer chains don't know didly about automobiles. They do rent some half way decent tools for some situations and for things like motor oil, etc,. they are OK from a convenience perspective.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"

Thanks for all your input. I'll look into a DIY unit as mentioned. As of now, I'll probably take it to a good indy. Have a good one!

Decide what you want before you look for one. The basic models show you the state of the MIL (on or off), and let you read and erase codes.

Additional useful features, in approximate order of likeness for a certain price point (most likely first):

Emissions readiness and state. Know if you'll pass your state inspection before you go.

Freeze-frame data show you the conditions under which the code first showed up. Road speed, engine temperature, RPM, etc.

Live sensor data show you what the PCM sees from the running engine.

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" Fries with that ?? "

What year did MB's begin to have an interface for these code readers? Are they an actual piece of hardware or a program that can be run in a laptop? Or are there both types?

I used to assume that the computer equipment used to run diagnostics was proprietary and prohibitively expensive to buy.

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

All cars sold in the US beginning with MY 1996 are required to have an OBD-II connector which reads and resets codes for the PCM. MB included, so these codes are on that port.

There is a piece of hardware involved, whether it is a complete unit or an interface to a PC running appropriate software. There's an interface chip for the latter, known as ELM. Instances of the hardware using the ELM chip are very reasonably priced. Complete units (no PC needed) are also not prohibitively expensive. I paid $90 at Autozone for a halfway decent model (Actron 9135). Of course you can spend much more and get more features. But the ELM interface chip (with appropriate software) has all the features of the best dedicated scanners.

Then there is the port under the hood (in your fusebox, perhaps). This is not OBD-II or anything standard at all, unless you count MB standards. For that one, you need an expensive system. This port has diagnostics for more than the engine.

Thanks, Matt. So, are you saying that the one that covers more than the engine is the one only the dealer or a full-fledged shop is likely to have?

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles

Exactly.

You've got that right!

Chris

I'll have to use that sometime. I've noticed a high level of wit here on the MB forum.

__________________
" We have nothing to fear but the main stream media itself . . . ."- Adapted from Franklin D Roosevelt for the 21st century

OBK #55

1998 Lincoln Continental - Sold
Max 1984 300TD 285,000 miles - Sold
The Dee8gonator 1987 560SEC 196,000 miles - Sold
Orgasmatron - 2006 CLS500 90,000 miles
2002 C320 Wagon 122,000 miles
2016 AMG GTS 12,000 miles