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#1
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Can CEL and error codes be cleared without repair?
Hi all,
I am looking at another Benz 1996 E320 as replacement for my wrecked 1989 300CE. When test driving I saw that CEL is on; The dealer said they will take care of it. My concern is whether CEL and error codes can be cleared without the dealer repairing anything and I still got the problems afterwards. Thanks!
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE Last edited by Texholdem; 01-08-2008 at 08:26 PM. Reason: rephrasing |
#2
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1. You can clear codes and, depending on the nature of the problem, they could pop up again, anywhere from instantly to 5 minutes, to days.
When you look at the car, turn the key to the " ON " position & make sure you see the CEL coming on. This will ensure that you don't have a " malfunctioning " bulb. Shady caracters would try this trick.
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2007 C 230 Sport. |
#3
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When the CEL pops up again days after then it would be already too late if I bought the car, right?
Is there anything I can do to avoid that?
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE Last edited by Texholdem; 01-08-2008 at 08:45 PM. |
#4
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Yes.
Get a statement in writing, saying if the CEL light comes on within the first 30 days, they will resolve the cause at their expense.
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2007 C 230 Sport. |
#5
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Thanks manny, yes I'll try to have it in writing. But technically what can I do else? connect a OBD II scanner to see if there is any code left?
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE Last edited by Texholdem; 01-08-2008 at 08:41 PM. |
#6
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If somebody clears the codes & you check immediately afterward with a scan tool, chances are you would not see anything, i.e. codes present or pending.
Aside from that, you could take the car on another test-drive and, before returning to the dealer, check for pending codes. Is this a M-B dealer you're dealing with ?
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2007 C 230 Sport. |
#7
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No MB-dealer, a used-car dealer in Fort Worth.
I don't think that MB-dealers have such old cars , even if they took them as trade-in they would dump them to small dealers.
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE |
#8
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That's true.
Last time they did'nt even want my 6 year old car on their lot. Just follow all the steps I mentioned above, before you sign on the dotted line.
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2007 C 230 Sport. |
#9
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When I go car shopping, I carry my OBD2 scanner with me, and if I'm interested, I plug it in and check for codes as well as the system status for emmissions and such. I also make a deal out of writing down the VIN to run a car fax. I had one used car dealer that wouldn't let me use the scanner, and I walked away, the scanner will tell you if the CEL has a "malfunction".
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2000 C230 Kompressor "Frosty" 2007 PT Cruiser 2001 VW TDI Beetle 1999 Landrover Discovery II 1971 Corvette Gone: 97 Cabrio, 83 240D, 93 VW Eurovan, 95 Volvo 850, 93 Chevy Astro Van, 77 VW Bus, 99 VW Jetta, 74 VW Bus |
#10
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Quote:
Thanks for your input!
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE |
#11
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Used car dealers are the lowest form of life on earth. Never trust them.
There are plenty of those cars around, so why buy one with problems from the start?
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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite ------------------------------------ Gone but not Forgotten: 2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal 1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey 1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black |
#12
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It seems like a good deal but you make me reconsider the whole thing
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE |
#13
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Quote:
The second section tells how to tell which communications protocol. |
#14
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Quote:
I am tempted to say if the dealership was sincere, they would already have fixed the problem. However, since they don't know whether they will sell the car, they won't invest in repairs. But from what you wrote, it sounds like they will not repair anything, just reset the codes. I recommend finding a good tech who knows the car and can give you an honest opinion. If he/she says the CEL is a minor issue, then go ahead with it. Otheriwse, there are many more to choose from.
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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite ------------------------------------ Gone but not Forgotten: 2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal 1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey 1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black |
#15
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Thanks Deanyel. The web site http://www.obdii.com/ has only instructions on how to test for GM and Ford vehicles. Do the same test procedures apply to MB cars?
General Motors Driving Cycle A complete driving cycle should perform diagnostics on all systems. A complete driving cycle can be done in under fifteen minutes. To perform an OBDII Driving cycle do the following:
Reprinted on OBDII web site courtesy of General Motors Corporation © General Motors Corporation [ OBD-II Home ] The section code intepretation also addresses only US cars.
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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011 --------------------------------------------------------- 1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007 Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE |
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