HELP!! '98 C230 Check engine light came on and.....
 

I can't seem to find any problems. I recently cleaned the air filter (did not install a new one) and shortly thereafter the check engine light came on. I went to an AUTO ZONE store and the computer link would not work. I am guessing that only a MB link will work or am I wrong? Just hate to go to the dealer for an analysis and pay big buck for a small problem. Car is running great but I am worried? Any help or answers would greatly be appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!

The AZ crystal ball should put the light out. Your car should be OBDII.

I would call independent, MB-specific shops in your area until you find one that will read the codes with the proper equipment. Once you have the codes... you could have the shop trouble shoot it for you or, perhaps, ask the members of this forum for help you figure it out. Not that it really applies to your situation, but at 75,000 miles my CE light came on and it ended up being the mass airflow sensor. I had it replaced and not one issue since then.

Good luck,

Talking to W202 owners, the most common reasons for CE lights are:

1. Misfire codes from aging sparkplugs. I seem to be one the few people I know that changes plugs during the car's lifetime.

2. Low voltage codes from aging batteries. A recharge might do the trick, but after five years a new battery might be in order.

3. MAS. All OBDII cars seem to be having MAS problems, due to the nature of the device. Mercedes is not excempt from this. Luckily, their MAS is a reasonable price. (Mazda 626 is $1300 part alone)

Steve is right (as usual, again, of course) about the OBDII codes being able to be read by non-MB shops. Wasn't that the whole premise behind OBDII? My understanding was that it was related to "universality."

I need help! I'd like to replace my Mass Air Sensor in my 98 MB C230 myself. Any hints? It looks simple enough. I bought the part on line, saving 240 bucks. Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Glenn Miller

It is simpler than it looks. No harder than chnaging an airfilter. Go for it. Just don't turn the ignition on while it is disconnected.

CE Light
 

I had a similar problem with my '97 C230 last year at about the same mileage as yours. It was the MAS and I haven't had a problem since. Seems to be a common problem with the w202. My independent tech said that he changes at least one / week. By the way, I paid about $450.00 Canadian for the part (about $280-300 US).

Good luck.