97 e420 rough idle issue
 

I have a 97 e420 that has a check engine electronics light on and is running like crap.. i.e. rough idle ...sluggish acceleration. the day it happened was an extremely hot day outside temps were 100+ and was in moderate traffic..a/c running..

Don't want to have to pay major bucks if we can replace a faulty part ourselves.. any suggestions and help would be most appreciated.

You will need to start by reading or having read, the self-diagnostic fault codes in the ME engine management system.

These fault codes will give you a basis for diagnosis. Cheap OBDII scan tools are available for laptops or palm readers. Partsshop has one for the palm devices. I would highly recommend one of these devices for anyone interested in viewing their system on a 1996 or newer car (C class from 94). For the engine systems they give as good of info as professional tools in the mega thousands of dollars. Unfortunately this is because of government rules which do not include body or chassis or climate systems.

hacks?
 

Is there a way to retrieve the codes without a reader? like the good old days when you could click your heels turn the key off and on 5 times tune the raido to a satanic station and then count the flashes on the dashboard lite? lol ...seriosly are there any ways to retrieve these codes other than by scanner?

thanks for the speedy reply BTW

No! For years there was only a small amount of info the controller could give up. During that time a number of preformatted replies were stored for retrieval.

Much info became available in the early 90's to allow activation of components and view actual values. This became so combersome that real communications were required to use all the available functions. Systems were available with both impulse and data comunications through about 1994 depending on model and system. All systems are digital by the 1996 model year.

The EASE program www.easesim.com is a widely sought professional tool that can be purchased in a number of formats for those without palm devices. It can be had for a single protocol for about the same as the palm programs. It can be upgraded into a serious tool, especially for the domestics with body and chassis functions. They claim that they will eventually do all cars in order of numbers manufactured.

I saw that program .. And I own a palm pilot.. but would the cost to purchase the program and connectors ..and any other needed accesories to operate this device exceed that of just taking it to MBz dealer or shop to diagnose and repair.. or would it be worth it to purchase for maint.. and repairs for an owner.. because after retrieving the code.. you then have to interpret and subsequently repair ..if in fact it is within the knowledge and skill to do so,,right? so what would u suggest.. bite the bullet and take it in? or buy the program and needed attatchments?

I hope it doesn't sound too arrogant, but there is no chance that you will be able to diagnose a car as I do, no matter what tools you use.

Do I think my tooling and experience are worth paying for? You bet!! But, you asked the question.

I do believe there is great benefit to being as knowledgeable as possible when dealing with maintenance and repair, even when taking it to me or any other tech. There are so many things to be decided in repairs. Read my comment about head work in another current post. The ability to solve the immediate problem is only part of the problem. Making a good economic judgment on repairs is more than a technical issue.

I doubt that there is good ROI (return on investment) for those with a trusted tech, but for those with curiosity and desire to know their car, these tools offer a window never before available to amateurs. The EASE people have used the capabilities for numerous markets. They sell to techs, DIYers, parents and fleet owners. They make another product that hooks to the OBDII daig socket that rats on your kids or professional drivers. It tracks mileage, rpms, speeds, time at rpm, time overheating etc., etc. Just about anything you could think to monitor.

They also make a more professional tool called a data logger that can monitor and log all values for hours. One could record a thousand mile trip and replay it on ones laptop, if one had such a desire.

I have no doubts
 

I have no doubt that I could not diagnose a car as you do..which is why I humbly asked for your opinion ...I deal with high performance motorcycles..not mercedes..most motorcycle mechanics or techs.. if you will ..would not have the experience or knowledge to aid in my dilemna ..which is why I didn't post my question on a motorcycle board..I am intelligent enough to know that you seek help & advice from those who would be best qualified to do so.. I don't think that you answer is arrogant.. it was frank and honest...nothing wrong with that.. And I do value the time and experience of those who work in the auto service industry...and have taken the time to learn their craft...

I am seeking a way to save my self & family money and aggrivation from mis- diagnosis or being taken advantage of by less than honorable shops..if that's possible.. but I do in fact appreciate the time you have spent simply replying to my obviously non informed questions... honestly...

I wouldn't be here asking if I didn't need to be...