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  #1  
Old 09-19-2006, 03:52 AM
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104 Wiring Harness

Does anyone know definatively what years were impacted in the 104 engine by the disastrous problem with the deteriorating wiring harness problem? I did a google search and it appears to have been limited to the 93-95 population. While I was getting some minor work done that required a lift ... I saw one such impacted car ... I could not believe the state of the wiring harness ... from what the technician told me (it was not a MB dealership), MB has not owned up to the problem ... but depending on the dealership and MBUSA they may "share" some of the cost of repair on lower mileage cars. I've seen repair costs range from $1000 to $600 in the google search.

Has anyone had any strange, repetitive problems (CEL light, ASR light) on any '96 cars with the venerable 104 that they tracked down to wiring harness problems? Apparently the problem on affected cars extends to wiring loom/cable that leads to the throttle actuator (a very expensive part).

I'm asking because I had a strange ASR fault on my 96' E320 ... ASR fault splashed on my instrument panel and car went into limp home (good luck) mode. I "rebooted" the computer (turned engine off then on again) and the ASR warning was gone ... and the car went back into normal mode. That was two weeks ago ... but now I'm gun shy to take the car on a long trip. It only has 57,500 miles on it ... and I am the original and only owner.

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Old 09-19-2006, 08:09 AM
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Since that system (ASR) is a 2 part system & both have computers that record problem(s)...what are the codes from the related systems?? If you haven't had those systems checked then you need to.


MB will not disclose WHEN exactly they used the bio-degradable wiring but we have found that some cars as early as 02/92 production & as late as 11/95 have engine harnesses with that wire....&even later on chassis & mirror wiring..many of the 1997 S-class mirrors have that problem..

Try search for forum member "infoage" as he is trying to get a recall for that problem.
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Old 09-19-2006, 05:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M.B.DOC View Post
Since that system (ASR) is a 2 part system & both have computers that record problem(s)...what are the codes from the related systems?? If you haven't had those systems checked then you need to. .... Try search for forum member "infoage" as he is trying to get a recall for that problem.
Thanks for the reply MB DOC ... you've helped me over the years ...

I connected my code reader ... there were no ASR faults stored. Is there a different kind of code reader for the ASR systems? I only have a generic OBDII reader ... so if it takes some proprietary device to read the codes I'm SOL unless I can find a shop with the MB device.

Is there a way to completely disconnect the ASR system so it is just offline and not capable of sending the ASR fault warning?

The harness concern ... I did more googling and searching ... I looked at the external wires where they meet sensors, etc .. didn't see tell-tale exposed copper ... so, going to assume the problem didn't attack 1996 E320 104 engine.
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Old 09-20-2006, 02:59 AM
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Most OBD readers won't read many of the Mercedes subsystems. OBD only deals with engine transmission and emissions.

As for the wiring harness if your car's in the affected year range and its not already been done it would probably be in your best interest to start shopping around for the parts. Prices vary greatly from supplier to supplier. You can install the harness yourself and save a considerable amount of money.
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  #5  
Old 09-20-2006, 08:00 AM
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As I noted ASR is a 2 fold system..traction & electronic accelerator.

IF only the ASR lamp comes then codes need to be read from the EC/CC/ISC system only.

IF both the ASR & ABS lamps come on then the traction system codes & the EA codes must be read..ODB2 won't get the job done...a dedicated scanner for MB is required.

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1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
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