Computer Gremlins - Benzworld.org

Shipsake · 11-15-2006, 04:18 PM

I need help. My 1996 E300 Diesel has gone nuts. Sometimes, while driving the ETS and ABS light will just come on, sometimes the speedometer won't register, sometimes when its not registering it will for no reason start working after the blinking exclamation ! flashes giving you a warning that the speedometer is about to work. There seems to be no pattern to its working or not working except it seems to happen more when I shut off then turn the car back on. Sometimes its perfect. This problem began with just the ETS warning and coming on once in a blue moon; now its a gamble wether the speedometer will work or not and I will be assulted by the orange glow of the ABS and ETS lights. I suspect that the onboard computer is faulty - does anyone know anything about this happening?

Sandro N · 11-15-2006, 07:16 PM

This sounds like a problem best left for a mechanic or maybe even the dealer. Good Luck

Kajtek1 · 11-15-2006, 09:21 PM

I agree that full troubleshooting will take good mechanic with big computer.
What owner can always do is check all the electrical connections. Are the battery connectors clean and tight? No "hot" fuses, or loose harnesses?

Shipsake · 11-16-2006, 07:28 AM

Someone has had to have had a similar problem. Last time I took a mercedes to the dealer for a "check engine" light on my previous E320 they charged me $600 to change an O2 sensor - In this case, if it is the computer I could probably buy it for that or less.

sokoloff · 11-16-2006, 07:44 AM

Did the '96 diesels have the wiring harness issues? Sounds like a good thing to check.

Len

Shipsake · 11-16-2006, 12:30 PM

What wire harness issues? Where and what do I look for? I've never heard of a wire harness issue - news to me....

**Musikmann** · 11-16-2006, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipsake

Last time I took a mercedes to the dealer for a "check engine" light on my previous E320 they charged me $600 to change an O2 sensor.

I had a similar experience on a '98 E430, but I think it cost me "only" $500.

Dealership work is not cheap, but I think 95% of the time, the job gets done quickly and you get a 12 month warranty on the parts and labor.

Having said that, I think we all have to be aware of:

1) What are our cars worth on the market?
2) How much are we willing to spend to maintain them?

Let's not include sentimentality for the moment. In my case, I bought a used Benz because it looked like a good deal. Within a year, I had way more money invested in the car than it was worth. It was my 1st MB, and I was stupid. Now I have a CPO with a warranty, so that purchase was my way of preserving capital.

Good luck with your problem, and it sounds like you are capable of a relatively inexpensive DIY.

Musikmann