After 2 years my first problem is showing itself... Hesitation MAF??
Hello alll...
the last week or so, my E420 has been hesitating on exceleration, sometimes going slow, sometimes going fast, sometimes hot sometimes cold.
it started doing this only once in awhile but now more frequently. I'm thinking fuel filter because a few times i ran the car at E when up in northern WI and no stations were to be found and so i thought maybe this might be the culpret but then after reading many posts here i'm thinking maybe MAF.
No codes or lights or CEL to go by, but once it showed a ESP and then it went away and once it stalled as soon as i started it.
the last week or so, my E420 has been hesitating on acceleration, sometimes going slow, sometimes going fast, sometimes hot sometimes cold.
it started doing this only once in awhile but now more frequently. I'm thinking fuel filter because a few times i ran the car at E when up in northern WI and no stations were to be found and so i thought maybe this might be the culpret but then after reading many posts here i'm thinking maybe MAF.
No codes or lights or CEL to go by, but once it showed a ESP and then it went away and once it stalled as soon as i started it.
whatcha think?
Hey, diego, what do you mean by "sometimes hot sometimes cold"? Are you talking about the engine temperature is fluctuating? If so that could account for your symptoms as that is crucial information to the engine's computer.
As far as the fuel filter, you didn't mention mileage but if you're over 60-70K miles you're already due, so just change it (that could also account for symptoms other than the "hot/cold" thing).
I have yet to hear of a MAF needing replacement that *didn't* throw a code.
So if I were you I'd change the fuel filter and then do the "car reboot" procedure and see what returns.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
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Hey, diego, what do you mean by "sometimes hot sometimes cold"? Are you talking about the engine temperature is fluctuating? If so that could account for your symptoms as that is crucial information to the engine's computer.
As far as the fuel filter, you didn't mention mileage but if you're over 60-70K miles you're already due, so just change it (that could also account for symptoms other than the "hot/cold" thing).
I have yet to hear of a MAF needing replacement that *didn't* throw a code.
So if I were you I'd change the fuel filter and then do the "car reboot" procedure and see what returns.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
Hey Greg, i was hoping youd chime in....
what i meant about the hot and cold thing was that it didnt matter if the car was warmed up or not it does it at all engine temps but when i think about it the engine is warm 10 mins from my driveway so thats a moot point.
i was reading that maybe just maybe my CEL light could be out so i'll check that the next time i start it but what i'm feeling from you is that my suspicion may be correct and its a fuel filter but if i have the codes checked does 'fuel filter' show up?
My car just turned 140,000 and when i look through the service history i see no mention of fuel filter replacement.
what would a dealer or indy typically charge for a fuel filter replacement?
i swear this car drives softer and more graceful than any newer car i own and having to replace something on it is the least i can give back to her.
Last edited by Diego97 : 07-07-2008 at 06:03 PM.
Reason: mental retardation
Electronic Stabilization Program.
But that has no relation to engine work.
I experienced that MAF going bad can lower the performance long before it triggers codes, so if I would be in your shoes, I would buy MAF and see if it makes a difference. If not, you can always use spare sooner or later.
Dirty fuel filter usually shows engine starvation on heavy acceleration, while I can't conclude that from your description.
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Diego97
what would a dealer or indy typically charge for a fuel filter replacement?
My dealer quoted me $237 for one, including labor and sales tax. The parts guy said hesitation climbing hills was the typical symptom indicating we need one. Like gregs210 said, you are overdue with that many miles.
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Diego - I had similar symptoms on my E430 - no CEL light, but car would hesitate at random times and also stalled a few times. Turned out to be the O2 sensors. I did have codes, they stated 'aging O2 sensor'. Both front bank sensors needed to be replaced. These do wear out. It's possible yours are on their way and just haven't degraded enough to throw a code?
When the O2 sensor can't respond quickly enough, it can cause hesitation/stalling.
what i meant about the hot and cold thing was that it didn't matter if the car was warmed up or not it does it at all engine temps but when i think about it the engine is warm 10 mins from my driveway so that's a moot point.
i was reading that maybe just maybe my CEL light could be out so I'll check that the next time i start it but what I'm feeling from you is that my suspicion may be correct and its a fuel filter but if i have the codes checked does 'fuel filter' show up?
My car just turned 140,000 and when i look through the service history i see no mention of fuel filter replacement.
what would a dealer or indy typically charge for a fuel filter replacement?
i swear this car drives softer and more graceful than any newer car i own and having to replace something on it is the least i can give back to her.
Hi, Diego:
Are you assuming that because a CEL has not been activated that there are no codes? There may well be "pending" codes and when a sufficient number of them have accumulated, the CEL will be tripped...
You really should acquire Ohlord's recommended Harbor Freight OBDII reader; much quicker and less expensive that having the codes pulled at a dealer/indy.
The MAF on my E420 failed a few months ago, and before the CEL actually tripped, I too noticed a sluggishness and rougher idle.
You can take your car to AutoZone and they will pull the codes for free. Make sure you get the actual codes, including "pendings" and post them here; do not rely on the counterman's interpretation of them. Of course having your own code reader is better yet...
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