Hello all,

I am seeking your help and collective wisdom figuring out a problem with my check engine light on my 94 E420. I have searched the archives and found lots of info but nothing on point so here goes:

Check engine light has been on for months. 2 different, non MB specialist shops, have claimed to have scanned the codes and come up with a fault they could not recognize with their scan tools.

If I disconnect the battery and reconnect it, the light will be out and generally does not come on until third time I start the car. NO matter the length of time o amount of driving between starts. I checked the LED/built in code reader in the ngine compartment and I am getting 17 flashes (my understanding from an archive posting is that's a general communication fault with some unidentified system). If I hold the button down for 10 seconds or so after the flashes, the check engine light will be off when I restart the car but will come on again after the third start.

I have generally checked the vacuum lines and they appear fine. I have also inspected the wiring harness and that appears to be in good condition also (that was also previously confirmed by the more experienced independent shop.)

I guess the question would be what function on the car self-checks every third start? Anyone have any other ideas? The nearest Benz dealer is difficult to get to and $$$$ and I would like to try to figure this one out for myself. Car is running perfectly and I only want to correct the problem as I am thinking about selling it to buy a W124 wagon.

Thanks.