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  #1  
Old 12-01-2008, 07:51 PM
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W124 E420 Check Engine - comes on every third start

Hello all,

I am seeking your help and collective wisdom figuring out a problem with my check engine light on my 94 E420. I have searched the archives and found lots of info but nothing on point so here goes:

Check engine light has been on for months. 2 different, non MB specialist shops, have claimed to have scanned the codes and come up with a fault they could not recognize with their scan tools.

If I disconnect the battery and reconnect it, the light will be out and generally does not come on until third time I start the car. NO matter the length of time o amount of driving between starts. I checked the LED/built in code reader in the ngine compartment and I am getting 17 flashes (my understanding from an archive posting is that's a general communication fault with some unidentified system). If I hold the button down for 10 seconds or so after the flashes, the check engine light will be off when I restart the car but will come on again after the third start.

I have generally checked the vacuum lines and they appear fine. I have also inspected the wiring harness and that appears to be in good condition also (that was also previously confirmed by the more experienced independent shop.)

I guess the question would be what function on the car self-checks every third start? Anyone have any other ideas? The nearest Benz dealer is difficult to get to and $$$$ and I would like to try to figure this one out for myself. Car is running perfectly and I only want to correct the problem as I am thinking about selling it to buy a W124 wagon.

Thanks.

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  #2  
Old 12-01-2008, 11:47 PM
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A lot of the non critical fault codes don't set the C/E light immediately. Some have 2 or more occurances before the C/E light is set. My guess is that you have a consistently occuring problem that sets the light every 3rd occurance. You should take it to a shop with SDS to get a competent diagnosis.
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  #3  
Old 12-02-2008, 08:07 AM
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Your car should have a self diagnostic connector with a LED & pushbutton.

Depress the button with the key on for 3 seconds...that blink code will help with diagnosis.

Oops..........you stated code 17......means nothing by itself.

You need a scanner to read the other 4 computers on the CAN network.

1 of those computers hold the key to the problem.
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Last edited by mbdoc; 12-02-2008 at 10:54 AM.
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  #4  
Old 12-02-2008, 09:51 AM
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He has determined a code 17 from the DM...
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Old 12-02-2008, 10:34 AM
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There's always the other LED, lightbulb electrical deprevation, i.e. remove the CE bulb and throw it over your shoulder.
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Old 01-01-2009, 11:01 AM
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Click here to download my DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) guide for your car (1MB, PDF format). As Doc said, you need a scanner, or at least an LED blink code reader, to see what codes are on the other computers. The built-in LED only shows very vague, generic codes from the DM (diagnostic module). Code 17 on the DM means "Data exchange malfunction between individual control modules", which - also as Doc said - means nothing by itself.



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