97 C230, Code 170, Three Questions... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Michael K · #1 05-02-2002, 08:23 PM

Not sure why, but this one really gets my blood boiling....

Check Engine light came on last night and, this morning, my trusted independent tells me it's stored code 170 (not wanting to risk damaging the engine, I took it in right away). The fact that it was stored made me feel a little better.

I use this vehicle for business and have it maintained religiously. I am very frustrated that a week after my "perfect" 75k service, this schedule buster caught me off guard.

The thing that frustrates me about this is how little control I have over the situation.... hoping to regain some control, I have a few questions for the experts here.

First, is it possible for me to diagnose the codes (federal vehicle)without going to the shop and if so how (in an lay attempt to determine if the code is serious or not)? I have the codes from Baum and just need a way to read/figure out which code(s) is/are causing the check engine light to come on. That alone would make me feel much better.

Second, my independent and I (thanks to this incredibly helpful forum) agree that PO170 is almost always remedied by replacing the mass air flow sensor. Assuming I order the part, is it something I could replace myself and if so how (not the literal steps, please, but a resourse to help me figure it out).

Third, is MBUSA required, via their dealer network, to cover replacing this part under the 100k emissions warranty? It seems like a gray issue to me, and knowing American Service Center, they screw the customer any way they can. I don't want to wait two weeks for an appointment, be treated disrespectfully, and then find out they plan to mark up the part 300% and charge me $95.00 per hour to plug it in.

I feel better already and appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

mbdoc · #2 05-03-2002, 08:50 AM

The Emissions Act of 1992 mandated that "ANY" repair shop should be able to SCAN & retrieve info on emission problems. Starting in 1996 ALL cars sold here have a universal ODB2 connector that a scan tool can be connected.

STORED codes are what almost always turn the check engine lamp on! Rarely do you have "active" codes.

You are correct as far the air mass being the problem. We replace 10 or more them every week.
On the C230 the part number is 000-094-09-48, list is $442.
Takes about 10 minutes to install & is a DIYer.