Could anyone please tell me what the OBD-II system does?
And can it be retro-fitted?

I'm in England and we don't have this here. The later models - not mine - have the Check Engine light but that's all.
I keep reading posts about OBD-II and I guess it's a diagnostic aid, but why do you have this and not Europe?

Is the unit something I could buy from FastLane? I mean they must fail, and available as a spare part, but would they be able to fit my E200 1994?

Cheers


Barry

E200 Wagon 1994 108k miles.
England

OBDII is a US government mandated diagnostic system. The idea was that a standard on board diagnostic system would provide a means of monitoring emmissions critical components and overall system performance and provide a means to maintain these systems. By maintaining the systems, the theory is that more cars will be operating properly, thus creating lower emissions.

All cars delivered in the US from '96 on have this system as part of its computer system.

This system is part of the overall engine and chassis computer management systems and is not something that can be retrofitted.

In your '92, non US model you have a computer self diagnostic system of some description. You need to research this with a service manual to learn more about the specifics of your system. You will need a code scanner or computer software and a specific connector/cable to retrieve any error codes that may have been set. If an error code is set the check engine light will illuminate indicating that an error code has been "trapped."

Most commonly, if a code has been trapped, the problem is a sensor of some description. Of these sensors, the oxygen sensor is the most common sensor to fail.

Hope this helps,

BTW, I'm not currently experiencing insomnia, I am currently in Copenhagen, Denmark, so it is only an hour later than your local time. LB

Hi Larry

I DID wonder about your sleeping habits, but hey, if it works for you........

Thanks a million for your info on OBD. It sounds useful. Pity I can't retro fit it.
(and your comments on the KISS theory. Totally agree.)
Have fun in Denmark.

Cheers

B

Hey Larry, what in the world are you doing in Denmark?

Vacation or work related?

Maybe you're actually CIA, and your time spent on the forum is actually part of your cover....lol

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

<<>>

Damn,,, Should have known ..

OK guy, forget all those Code Flashes we been talkin', Go to Plan "B"...

Oooooh, no! There's a plan B?

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".