Hey all, just got a CEL present from my E300DT. I left the car outside overnight (yes, I did) and when I started it up, the CEL illuminated after driving approximately 1 mile. It was about 10 degrees outside on Saturday morning.

I ran several errands (longer driving times with a couple hours of down time between errands) on Saturday. By Saturday night, the CEL was no longer on.

All day Sunday the car was fine.

On Monday morning, I started it up (outside and 5 degrees) and the CEL illuminated within 2 miles.

Can I use a generic ODBII code reader? Where is the port?

Based upon experience does anyone have any ideas of what it might be with this model. The car started well and wasn't missing - so it shouldn't be a glow plug. The GP light behaved normally.

Anyway, the car did seem to have reduced power - not by much - and it could have been in my head because the light was on. It just didn't have the same pep.

Any thoughts? thanks in advance!!!

Yes a standard OBD2 reader will pull generic codes. Autozone will read them for free. If it is more complicated then that you will need the Star diagnostic system, (I think thats what they call it) any good indi will have it as well as the dealers.

I will take a shot in the dark as to the problem MAF.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

You should be able to leave it overnight without an issue. Been there, done that without problems. IIRC, when I cranked it without waiting for the glow when it is freezing cold, I have got a CEL and the Glow Plug light coming on. It might be that. MAF like Hattie said is a good one too. The plug is a standard OBDII. You should see a panel above your knees that is about 2 inches by 1 and you flip it open to expose the port.

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01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I don't think it is the glow plugs as it starts as smooth as silk in cold weather. I will go to Autozone and get the code read. I'll let you know. Thanks!

I had a code about a turbo wastegate solenoid fault pop up and trigger a CEL after a particularly cold night out but after I reset it the light never came back on and the problem never occurred again. Check for stored codes and see what it tells you, then clear them and see what happens.

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz

I pulled the codes and it is a P0243 - Turbocharger Wastegate Solenoid A Malfunction. I have researched it on this site and can't find anything. What do I do next to prevent it from happening again?

Check the intercooler hose (2-3") just behind the front bumper and see if it is properly connected. I had the same CEL code a couple months ago with a big loss of power and the hose had come off due to a broken hose clamp. Just one of the possibilities.
Paul
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98 E300

Great idea. Check that intercooler hose on the passenger side, and the one on the driver side.

Also check the vacuum lines to the solenoid which is located near the airbox. Also check the electrical connector to it.