2-W210 1998 E300 questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 02-14-2014, 12:56 PM

I have 2 friends (Jim & Dave) with identical (even the same color!) 1998 E300 TURBODIESEL sedans. Both of them are having issues that I am not able to figure out. Any help would be appreciated. Jim's car is displaying the BAS/ESP light, and ABS as well. Is there an easy test I can do to find out what component is bad? Will a standard OBD2 code scanner work? The car is also displaying the glow light and check engine light, but I know it has a bad glow plug, and one is on order.
As for Dave's car, it has been throwing a turbo wastegate solenoid code during hard acceleration. It then limits the power until the code is reset (Dave has a code scanner handy at all times). I first replaced the rubber hoses to the solenoid, as they appeared to be bad (old and cracked). I thought the problem was fixed, but it showed up again a few days later. I then borrowed the solenoid from Jim's car (known good one) to see if that was the problem (no need to spend $150 for a dealer part that may not be bad!), but it still throws the same code. Could there be some other part of the system (other than the solenoid itself) that would cause the same code? I am very thankful for the folks here in DD. I don't remember ever going away from a thread empty handed here. However, this has not been the case over in Tech Help (gasser forum). I have an unanswered thread over there for a week or so.....Rich

jay_bob · #2 02-14-2014, 01:13 PM

Generic OBDII scanner only gets the emissions related codes (per Federal law). Everything else is MB proprietary and can only be retrieved by Star DAS. Except for the climate control stuff, that can be accessed by an Easter Egg in the control panel.

BAS/ESP things to check:
-Brake pedal switch
-K40 relay (in the control box under the hood, the device with the fuses). Check the fuses then try swapping the K40. These are known to have cold solder joints.

I haven't had to play much with the vacuum system on the W210, I'm sure someone else who has experience will be along soon.

alipak · #3 02-14-2014, 01:43 PM

Rollguy I agree with Jay Bob, I had identical issues & it turned out to be K40 Relay.

ROLLGUY · #4 02-14-2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_bob

Generic OBDII scanner only gets the emissions related codes (per Federal law). Everything else is MB proprietary and can only be retrieved by Star DAS. Except for the climate control stuff, that can be accessed by an Easter Egg in the control panel.

BAS/ESP things to check:
-Brake pedal switch
-K40 relay (in the control box under the hood, the device with the fuses). Check the fuses then try swapping the K40. These are known to have cold solder joints.

I haven't had to play much with the vacuum system on the W210, I'm sure someone else who has experience will be along soon.

Thanks! That gives me a great (easy) place to start. Is the K40 relay on gasser 210's as well? I am going parts pickin' today, and can grab one if it is the same (chances are there will be NO Diesel 210's).....Rich

TMAllison · #5 02-14-2014, 03:05 PM

BAS/ESP/ABS I'd look at the brake switch first.

You didn't say what the code was on the 2nd car? Probably PO243 which wasn't a fun one for me. Start by checking that the vacuum lines to the wastegate and transducer are all good and that the transducer vent is plugged (vent is a filter located up next to the computer box). Then there are tests that start out with checking current to various ECU pins followed by vacuum pump output vs voltage at different rpm's. Tell your friend to let off the go pedal after 4-5 sec's and then get on it again. Code trips after ECU see's implausible voltage for 6 sec's IIRC.

tjts1 · #6 02-14-2014, 03:49 PM

On Dave's car, test that the wastegate is fully closing and opening and the vac hose to the actuator. There is also a MAP sensor that reads boost/vacuum in the manifold. make sure the sensor and hose to it are in good condition. The computer has no way of telling if the solenoid is bad but it will assume the solenoid is bad if if its not reading the correct pressure at the MAP sensor. The MAP sensor is mounted on the firewall near the intake manifold. Looks like a small gray brick with an electric plug and vac hose running to it.

engatwork · #7 02-14-2014, 06:30 PM

On Daves can you remove the cat and take it for a ride. I have seen a plugged cat cause boost related codes.

engatwork · #8 02-14-2014, 06:30 PM

On Daves can you remove the cat and take it for a ride?

tjts1 · #9 02-14-2014, 06:36 PM

BTW you don't need an OBD2 code reader for the W210. U can access all the powertrain trouble codes through the climate control unit as well as live data from the engine.
http://www.mbcluster.com/Media_Diagnostics/W210%20-%20Airco%20Sensor%20Reading.jpg
http://www.mbcluster.com/Media_Diagnostics/W210%20DTC%20Codes.pdf
Lots more info.
MBCluster.com Mercedes W140 Instrument Cluster Repair Homepage

CAN networked cars are a beautiful thing.

TMAllison · #10 02-14-2014, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by engatwork

On Daves can you remove the cat and take it for a ride. I have seen a plugged cat cause boost related codes.

That was the final issue on mine. Was rattily at low RPM.

You can disconnect the exhaust prior to the catalyst without removing it to test. Open it, wire it in place, go for a drive and tromp on it heavy for 10 secs under load.

ROLLGUY · #11 02-26-2014, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjts1

On Dave's car, test that the wastegate is fully closing and opening and the vac hose to the actuator. There is also a MAP sensor that reads boost/vacuum in the manifold. make sure the sensor and hose to it are in good condition. The computer has no way of telling if the solenoid is bad but it will assume the solenoid is bad if if its not reading the correct pressure at the MAP sensor. The MAP sensor is mounted on the firewall near the intake manifold. Looks like a small gray brick with an electric plug and vac hose running to it.

Dude, you were spot on!
The other day before leaving for a Mexico trip, I replaced the hose going to the sensor from the manifold. We drove 700+ miles in the car driving it like we stole it, and no problems whatsoever! The car has more power also. I suppose the bad hose was causing a low boost signal, and therefore a lack of power. It amazes me that such a small and inexpensive item could have a great effect on the performance of the car. Thanks for your insight!....Rich

tjts1 · #12 02-26-2014, 11:01 AM

Cool! I'm happy that it worked. I discovered the map sensor and vac hose when I was trying to figure out why its so difficult to defeat the EGR on my 97. The hose to my map sensor was also cracked and leakibg but no codes yet. I guess the 98/99 have a very similar map sensor setup.
cheers