Intake Air Temp. Sensor Question
 

I just replaced my 500E's intake air sensor today. When I was removing the old sensor, I noticed that it was connected rather haphazardly, not snug or tight as I would have expected. The new sensor connects the same way as well...the foam washer or spacer included is not thick enough to ensure a snug fit. It almost just dangles there.

I tried comparing it to the IAS of the SL500 but to my surprise, in the area where I was expecting the same sensor to be located, all I saw was a plug with an MB star stamped on it. It seems the SL doesn't have one, or at least one that's comparable.

Does anybody know if this (in reference to the 500E) is normal?

Yeah, there's not a lot of resistance there, and there's no clip intended to hold it. If I were you, I'd track down a car stereo installer & hit him up for a piece of butyl rubber-it comes on a roll and has adhesive properties that allow you to take the connection apart & put it back together. Otherwise you can simply replace the socket-does it have a P/N on it?

Michael,

The socket is integrated into the air intake panel that covers the rear of the driver's side headlamps. I tried to see whether there was something broken but it doesn't seem like it. The sensor has some sort of "wings" that would seem that it attaches to something but I couldn't find anything that looks remotely like it would do the job.

Maybe I'm missing another piece...i'm trying to go through the parts fiche to find out more. Still have to print out the engine slides though so that doesn't help.

If I can't turn anything up, I was thinking of making the body thicker with electrical or duct tape for a snugger fit.

Just one of those "things that make you go 'hmmm'" I guess...

I was actually referring to the socket that plugs into the back of the headlight...which is what the IATS is attached to, no?

Exactly!

The wire connects to the IATS just fine. The other end of the IATS is plugged into the the panel (actually, it has two tabs, one thicker than the other, which slides into the appropriate notches in the hole in the panel). It goes in just fine. You then twist to sort of lock it. The problem is the "body" of the IATS seems to be too narrow for the hole. So there's a lot of play. That's how it was with the old IATS I replaced as well.

I don't have a digital camera handy now otherwise I'd post a pic of the IATS and stuff...

When I get home I'll take a look at this for you...I've got the Diesel at the moment so it's of no help:o

I sent you a picture, Ricky...there's a clip on the back side that holds the sensor in place.:D

Got it. Saw it. Thanks!

That solves the slight mystery. No wonder I coudn't find any broken pieces...it's a metal clip!