W210 Check Engine Electronics - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DaveJ · #1 05-24-2003, 08:19 PM

Today the instrument panel on my '98 E320 with 65K miles indicated with the message "Check Engine Electronics." Also the check engine light came on. The engine was running fine prior to and after the error message. I turned off the engine and restarted it but the error message persists.

I assume there are many things that could cause this error message to occur. But is there a typical failure with E320s with about this mileage? Is there any troubleshooting I can do to help solve this?

Prior to this problem, the car hasn't had any electronics failures.

Thanks.

ssks · #2 05-24-2003, 10:44 PM

The same exact thing happened to my 98 E320 with 58K last week. I ended up replacing the mass air flow meter for about $400 at a local shop. However, You can replace this part yourself very easily for less than $200 in less than 5 minutes. I would have done it if I had anyway of checking the code. I know that Autozone checks faults for free but there isn't one near where I live.

The problem can also be a faulty oxygen sensors which should be covered by 7 years or 70K emission warranty in California. Call your local dealer to see if your mass air flow meter is under the emission warranty.

S.

Southern · #3 05-25-2003, 09:54 PM

The "Check Engine Electronics" message is also caused from the gas cap not sealing properly. When my 98 E320 had this message I filled the gas tank with premium gas and cleaned the gas cap gasket with a shop rag - and made sure the gas cap was on tight. Within the next few days the message went away and hasn't come back.

DaveJ · #4 05-29-2003, 12:59 PM

Here's an update on my original posting regarding the Check Engine Electronics error message. The message persisted for about 3-4 days. I took off the gas cap and wiped the gasket. I didn't see any dirt come off on to the towel.

The message cleared itself a about 2 days later and it's been off for about 3 days.

A few others had similar experiences with cleaning the gas cap. I don't know if cleaning the cap or even just removing and resealing it had anything to do with clearing the message.

I'll post another message on this topic if the problem returns. Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Southern · #5 05-29-2003, 08:31 PM

My gas cap didn't have dirt on it either. It was wet with gasoline. The check engine electronics message can come on if the gas cap gasket isn't sealing properly or if it wasn't screwed on tight. Since my wife was the last one to fill the tank, I didn't know if it was on tight.

Glad that your error message went away.

DaveJ · #6 07-27-2003, 10:29 AM

The Check Engine Electronics error message persists randomly. It seems that it's affected by when I unscrew and replace the gas cap, but I can't say for certain. I think my next course of action will be to replace the gas cap.

Southern · #7 07-28-2003, 10:07 PM

Dave,

I have experienced the Check Engine Electronics message come and go. I finally replace my gas cap <$20. The message has not come back after 450 miles of driving. I also noticed that the new gas cap seals tighter than the old one.

The part # for the gas cap is 2154700105.

Merc1 · #8 07-29-2003, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rjnonnie
Dave,

I have experienced the Check Engine Electronics message come and go. I finally replace my gas cap <$20. The message has not come back after 450 miles of driving. I also noticed that the new gas cap seals tighter than the old one.

The part # for the gas cap is 2154700105.

Good call, it is sad to see people are running and changing MAS, and sometime the problem is the gas cap.

I think I should buy a gas cap.... lol. Since we both are having identical problems.

DaveJ · #9 07-29-2003, 02:16 PM

I purchased a new gas cap today from the dealer. Cost was $21.45 before tax.

I thought this would be a simple 30 second job, but the little rubber tether that fastens the cap to the body is a problem.

Has anyone come up with a creative way of removing the pin that anchors the rubber tether without breaking it? I know this sounds trivial, but it won't come out!

Thanks.

tomparsi · #10 07-29-2003, 03:07 PM

I have the same issue with my 99 E320 4matic with 51k miles. The car drives fine. This has happened twice. The light stays on for 3 to 4 start cycles then it turns off. I read the owner's manual and have checked the gas cap. Luckily, I still have two years of warranty left. I will take it to the dealer on Friday and I will give you guys an update.

aTOMic · #11 07-30-2003, 02:37 PM

You guys could save yourselves a lot of time and money, if I may offer two suggestions:

1.) USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION! there you would learn of the many reasons for the CEL and some common problems of your particular auto's engine and year. Saves TIME!

2.) GO TO AUTO ZONE AND GET THE CODES READ! free and easy and will tell you which component you can replace by ordering it from this site at half the dealer price. Saves MONEY (and time too in some instances)

HTH,
-Tom

DaveJ · #12 07-30-2003, 03:35 PM

aTOMic,

Thanks for the tips. However, I do use the search feature extensively and I'm aware of going to Autozone to have the codes read.

Never the less, thanks for taking the time to offer your suggestions.

Southern · #13 07-30-2003, 10:04 PM

Dave J,

To remove the pin use a pair of needlenose pliers and pull the pin from the rear (opposite from the flat side). Then pull the socket part out. Reinstall the socket part and insert the pin from the same side as you removed it.

DaveJ · #14 07-31-2003, 09:53 AM

rjnonnie, thanks for the removal instructions. I was able to remove the fastener from above with large needle nose pliers, but the entire pin and socket came out together. I probably could have reused it, but instead I used a small 10-32 nylon screw, washer, and nut to fasten it. I have the screw "upside down" to make it much easier to hold the nut on top while turning the pan head screw from below. It worked great and I if ever have to replace the cap again it will be much easier.

Hopefully this will solve the "Check Engine Electronics" problem. I'll post again once I know the results.

DaveJ · #15 08-01-2003, 04:28 PM

This is an update on replacing the gas cap. I ran the car with the new cap for about 25 miles and the check engline electronics message remained. I know it can take sometime before it is automatically reset. I went to Autozone to pick up a few things and had the codes read while I was there. The codes are:

P0170 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 1)
P0173 Fuel Trim Malfunction (Bank 2)

Autozone reset the errors. I drove another 25 or so miles and the check engine electronics message reappeared. After searching this forum I learned that the most likely cause is the MAS air flow sensor. It may have been a coincidence, but the indicator went on just as I went over a speed bump.

Since this error condition can be caused by more than the MAS air flow sensor, I think I'll be taking the car in to my independent tech for analysis.

Upon close inspection of my old gas cap I noticed the rubber seal had hairline cracks all around the circumference. So, I don't feel too bad that I replaced the cap even though that wasn't the problem.