Hello All:

I parked the other day and my car, 97 E420, was running fine. Upon starting it this morning at it was idling rough and by the time I was half a mile down the road the CEL came on with "Check Electronics". Needless to say I wish I had my code reader which is on it's way from eBay and will probably sit at the border for a couple of weeks! I realize there's very little info to go on other than the abrupt nature of the problem but I'd appreciate some input as to what the problem might be. The car has 116 K and was "Tuned Up" before I bought it at MB about 12k ago. Of course I can't infer too much from that other than the spark plugs are probably ok.

I've put about 600 miles on the car with 95% in town driving and I'm only getting 12 mpg. I suspect the MAF sensor needs replacing. If it is opperating out of range would it cause a "Check Electronics" light?

Cheers, Chato

A bad MAF will create a code.

If you think that is the problem try cleaning it a spray cleaner made for that purpose.

12mpg seems pretty low even for city driving.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Hello All:

I just walked home from MB's service depot where they strongly adised I didn't drive the car home. They did offer me a taxi but I felt like a walk to reflect on the upcoming repair bill ! Their scan revealed a misfire on # 4 cylinder and an O2 Sensor that's working but on the way out. If I had my scanner I'd probably fiddle around myself for a day but I'm sure they'll be other opportunities for me to roll my sleves up. The faulty O2 sensor sure ties in with my 12 mpg in town. I just read a faulty sensor can increase your gas milage by as much as 40% ! There's no precise cause from MB service today as they're swamped but I'll know the damage in the morning. I'm leaning towards a faulty coil as the culprit. $150 ish + tax at MB. I wish I could afford to wait for an order from Autohauz but the delay at the border can be too long.

Thanks for the input. Chato