Need Help w/ MB issues

2760 Views 15 Replies 4 Participants Last post by jduffett, Sep 22, 2011

jduffett

Discussion Starter · Sep 15, 2011

Hi and yes I am new to the MB world.
I bought a 2002 C240 sedan from my brother and it has a few issues that I would like to try and fix myself if possible.
The biggest issue is the Air Bags
It was wrecked in the front end and my brother bought it that way so he could fix. He re-placed the steering airbag module which I think was the only one that went off and of course the front end stuff that was damaged. The computer is reporting SRS errors and the airbag light SRS is on. Also the airbag light is on saying the passengers airbag is off. Any info on this would be great.

The other issues are smaller ones but I would like to get them all fixed eventually. See list below

SOS (Telaid) -
Can anyone tell me how and the heck you turn that off? I am assuming that it has to be turned off in the computer.

Radio-
Has poor reception and only picks up a few stations and tape is stuck in it and I cant get it out.
Can anyone tell me how to get the radio out and do I need to worry about codes if I buy a good used one from a 01 or 02 model, also will a CD changer be easy to add?

Remote/Smartkey -
The key works but the remote doesn't. I changed the batteries and I get the little red light indicating good battery but no signal.

Fog lights -
Well I have none. When they replaced the front end I have to nice empty holes. I guess that is why I get another fault on the computer every once in a while. I am planning on buying some. Are there any rules to this as far as what years fit. AMG vs non. I have also noticed there are no plugs anywhere that I can see in the front end. What color code wire or style plug should I be looking for?

Washer Fluid -
The washer pump is obviously not working because I hear and see nothing when pushed. Checked the bottle and looks like it has fluid in it although I tried to fill and water is just running out somewhere below fill??

I know this is lengthy and I do apologize for that but any info to save me time and money would be much appreciated.

John

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rudeney

· #3 · Sep 18, 2011

jduffett said:
Hi and yes I am new to the MB world.
I bought a 2002 C240 sedan from my brother and it has a few issues that I would like to try and fix myself if possible.
The biggest issue is the Air Bags
It was wrecked in the front end and my brother bought it that way so he could fix. He re-placed the steering airbag module which I think was the only one that went off and of course the front end stuff that was damaged. The computer is reporting SRS errors and the airbag light SRS is on. Also the airbag light is on saying the passengers airbag is off. Any info on this would be great.

The other issues are smaller ones but I would like to get them all fixed eventually. See list below

SOS (Telaid) -
Can anyone tell me how and the heck you turn that off? I am assuming that it has to be turned off in the computer.

Is it constantly trying to dial out? If so, this may be related to the SRS problem. TeleAid may be getting a signal that the airbag has deployed so it's trying to report this. This will need to be reset with SDS (MBZ diagnosis equipment). It is possible with SDS to turn off the TeleAid system by disabling all the "inputs" that it uses to activate.

Radio-
Has poor reception and only picks up a few stations and tape is stuck in it and I cant get it out.
Can anyone tell me how to get the radio out and do I need to worry about codes if I buy a good used one from a 01 or 02 model, also will a CD changer be easy to add?

Remote/Smartkey -
The key works but the remote doesn't. I changed the batteries and I get the little red light indicating good battery but no signal.

These are two symptoms of a common W203 problem. The antenna amp module that is attached to the rear glass (under the stubby antenna) fails due to heat. It's difficult and expensive to repair - search the forum and you'll find more info and some possible solutions.

Fog lights -
Well I have none. When they replaced the front end I have to nice empty holes. I guess that is why I get another fault on the computer every once in a while. I am planning on buying some. Are there any rules to this as far as what years fit. AMG vs non. I have also noticed there are no plugs anywhere that I can see in the front end. What color code wire or style plug should I be looking for?

Washer Fluid -
The washer pump is obviously not working because I hear and see nothing when pushed. Checked the bottle and looks like it has fluid in it although I tried to fill and water is just running out somewhere below fill??

It sounds like the front-end collision wasn't properly repaired and some wiring harnesses are missing. The same harness that connects the washer fluid pump also supplies the fog lights. Remove the driver-side front wheel, then remove the wheel well shroud in front of the tire (attached to the bumper) and you'll gain access to the washer fluid reservoir and the pump and the wiring harnesses.

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rudeney

· #5 · Sep 18, 2011

Schumicat is correct: SRS errors can only be read and reset with specialized equipment, not with $50 OBDII scanners. Carsoft can do it, and of course the SDS system used by dealers. Working on the airbag system is really not that "dangerous". The squibs that ignite the airbags require voltage to activate, so disconnecting the battery is 98% effective in protecting yourself and your costly airbags. The 2% margin of error is reserved for doing something stupid, like using a shunted ammeter to test the circuit, which would in turn supply voltage and fire a squib.

Since the airbags were deployed, you will have to not only replace them, you will need to reset the errors in the SRS module. It sounds like you have done the replacement, but now you need the equipment to reset the codes.

Oh, and while we are on the subject of airbag safety, if you do happen to get your hands on Carsoft or SDS, be VERY careful playing around in the SRS functions of the software. I'm not sure about Carsoft, but SDS includes some tests that actually "activate" the airbag circuits and can cause deployment unless proper shunts are installed.

The "Passenger Airbag OFF" light is illuminated when the airbag is disabled due to insufficient weight in the seat sensor.

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rudeney

· #10 · Sep 20, 2011

jduffett said:
Rodney,

I have removed the front wheel and splash guard cover. I see two plugs hanging between the guard and the wiper bottle. I think that one of them may be the outside temp sensor which would explain why it is not working (says 185 degrees) but i don't know if maybe the other one is the fog lights???

Is the washer pump motor installed in the reservoir and plugged in? If so, the other two connectors on that side would be for the fog lights and the headlight washers (which you would only have if you have factory Xenons). The outside temperature sensor is on the passenger side in the fog light housing. My guess is that it's disconnected and floating around next to the radiator.

Oh, and I think that the windshield washer pump motor is connected in series with the coolant level sensor, so if it's disconnected, you'll get a "low coolant" warning on the MFD.

Ok I pretty sure that Fuse #8 in the trunk fixed not only the key remote and alarm but also the FM Radio reception. It is now picking up stations like it is supposed too. I was reading somewhere on the forum that the #8 fuse also is tied to the Antenna Amp??? seems to be true in my case.

Yep, fuse #8 is for the antenna amp.

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rudeney

· #14 · Sep 22, 2011

The SRS module is in the center console, under the ashtray. I'd spend ~$100 on Carsoft or ~$500 on SDS (and yes, those are "hacked" versions) and reset it myself before mailing my module and $50 to this online company.

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