I got the check engine light on my 2005 C230 sedan.

Looking for some advice. Please help
Diagnostics with the dealer run around $252.
I will check the gas tank first tonight after reading some topics here. If that's not the issue what else could be the possible reasons?

 

Take it to any auto parts store, even autozone, and they'll run a OBD2scanner to tell you the code the CEL is pulling. Free by the way. Then come back andsearch the code on the forum.

 

Thanks
I did go to AutoZone code P0128 - they said it's either the thermostat or the coolant sensor.
Called the dealer back, but they said they have to still run their own diagnostics to know what is really wrong.

I searched the forum for similar problems But i was disappointed not to find anything concrete.

a) For the code I foundone reference to 2002 C230 related to thermostat - not sure about the cost?
b)Other forums were related to 2003 model with issuesfound withhead/cylinder - approx $2000 + cost.

Also is it the thermostat or the coolant?
if it's the thermostat - what are the things that are required to be done, gasket, 2 gallon of coolant.

if it's coolant related - what does this entail?

Hopefully someone has more suggestions.

 

If it's the thermostat you should notice some fluctuation in the temp guage. If it's stays the same then most likely the thermostat is sticking open possibly? If it's the sensor then it may just be reading low fluid level. Try the most basic first by checking fluid level. [/align]Yes the dealer will want to run their own diagnostic rather then go off the customers word it's just how they operate. They will take your diagnostic into consideration but will still run their own. [/align]

 

A P0128 trouble code would most likely be a faulty thermostat. After driving your vehicle for approx. 15-20 minutes, check your engine temp.in your instrument panel using your "Multi Function Display". Should be approx. 85° celcius (185° F).
If your engine is not at operating temp., it will probably affect your fuel consumption a little. Especially if you are in a colder climate.
Other problems could be: faulty cooling fan (running too much), coolant temperature (ECT)sensor. Good luck!

 

Here is what I suggest:

Go to the autoparts store and ask them to run the scanner again, then ask them if they can erase the code. They might tell you that the can't realy do that, so tell them you'll push the erase button so they don't have to. If they still refuse thentell them that you bought the part, replaced it,but the codes still need tobe erased from the ECU. If they still won't do it, tell them to F%$k off (no don't say that) go to another autoparts store and start over.

See, sometimes there are faulty codes that the ECU will pick up, some of which will go away after three cycles. Some others don't, so you have to erase them. If it comes back then the code is legit.

 

My 1999 C280 doesn't have digital temperature display. Are there some buttons to push to get it, or is this only a feature of newer or fancier models? I know I can get it from the climate control system, but that's a long sequence of buttons.

 

Just this morning my check engine light came on. I am up North from Florida. I noticed my temperature gauge ranging from just under 80 to just over 80, nothing serious or too outrageous. My fluid levels are all correct and my gas door is closed just fine. Today is the second day I am driving the car here. I read the other posts and it sounds like my issue could be the same code, faulty thermostat. The manual says that the car could possibly jump to "limp-home" mode. However, it hasn't. Could this be that the car is used to Florida weather and not New York cold or do I have a serious problem?