I am considering purchasing a fault code scanner for my '95 C280. I would like one that not only gives me the fault code, but will tell me what it represents. I would like it to also shut off the check engine light after being repaired. What specifications do I need (is this OBDII?) and what is a good brand to purchase?

 

AutoZone is leasing scanners for free (deposit required).

 

Your car has OBDI. I don't think AutoZone can help you. They don't keep a crapload of different scanners on hand for all the different OBDI cars. They read OBDII codes free for customers, but OBDII is standardized.

If you search this forum, there are some threads about making a scanner of your own for a couple of dollars worth of RadioShack parts. Then, you'll need to search the Net for a listing of the fault codes with a short explanation of what they mean.

 

Thanks for your help. Bummer for me that's it not a OBD II. I searched but can't find the info on making your own scanner. If you could point me to the right direction, I would appreciate it. I also looked on the web and Ebay for a mercedes OBD I scanner. Could find some info, but really confusing with various cables and cartridges. Does anyone know a place to purchase a complete unit for this car?

 

Well, my '95 C280 is OBD II. The connection is under the steering wheel. My fault code was going off because of a bad wire harness. Thanks for all your input.

 

Sorry for the bad info. Three M-B cars were OBDII for the '95 model year: S320, C280, and SL320. These were early conversions. The rest of M-B cars were required to be OBDII by the '96 model year.

Bad wiring harness. That sucks.

 

Well, I guess things could be worse. What I don't understand is when looking at other postings, people are talking about >$500 for the wiring harness from MB, but when I do some searches at auto parts places, they list a wiring harness for around $65. They must not be the same thing. Any clarification would be helpful.

 

I haven't paid close attention to the wiring harness failures, but the replacement will cost much more than $65, especially if you have it installed professionally. Maybe installation is the difference?

Seek someone else's help on this. I'm not the expert. Good luck.

 

I wouldn't worry too much about price difference.
One time I had to buy oil pan gasket for 12-cylinder BMW. My local automotive place sells it for $3.60, but took 2 days to have it. I placed the order, but wanting one right away went to the dealer and paid about $20 there.
Didn't replace the gasket tight away, so got the one for $3.60 still having the first one unopened in the plastic.
THEY WERE THE SAME CORK GASKETS.
No manufacturer stamp on the cork, but it was exactly the same cork. (that's probably those gaskets are so famous for leaking).

 

The $65 on the wire harness price I got was for the radio wire harness, not the main engine wire harness. MB wanted $740. I searched around a little and found it for $100 less with shipping to my door. I put most of it in myself (was hoping to do the whole thing), but I got stuck on the very last connector. It was to the starter solenoid and I couldn't get the stinkin' nut off. My mechanic finished it off for me. Of course, I drove it 8 miles and the check engine light came on. Now it's back to the mechanic again. What a pain. Hopefully nothing major. I am starting to get frustrated with this car. I really want to keep it, but I'm not sure it wants to keep me.