After having spent a lot of money to have a burned valve replaced, a new timing chain installed, a new wiring harness, MAF sensor, etc., on my "99 SLK 230 (129k),my low fuel light has started flashing after I drive it for about 7-8 miles. So far the CEL has not come on. The flashing low fuel light goes off when the engine is shut off but it returns when the car is driven a few more miles again. I have had the car back to the repair shop but they could not get it to come on after it sat and ran for about 30 minutes. As soon as I left the shop and had driven it for a few miles, it started flashing again. One person said "buy a new gas cap; it's a cheap approach." MB gas caps are NOT cheap and it would be very expensive if that is not it. I would buy one in a heartbeat if I knew that was it. I don't want to keep driving it until the CELcomes on ( Oh, how I hate that light!!!) And, I don't want to go back to any MB shop if I can avoid it. I have been to 4 shops here in Tulsa and don't think much of any of them. If this is a DIY I can diagnose and fix I sure would like t know from someone who does know. So, if anyone really has a firm idea what I am dealing with, please help me.
Thank you.

 

i've seen other posters with the same problem. The solution is to replace the gas cap. check ebay, you may be able to get one there cheaper than the dealer.

 

Livefreeordie...thanks for the tip. I'll let you know if this works or not.

 

The dealer told me to TURN THE IGNITION OFF and remove the key every time I gassed up the car to avoid that sensor issue from happening again. It was a frequent issue that MB told me that they could replace the sensor and the gas cap for a bit over $1K... HELL NO!

So take the key out every time you gas up. If that makes sense to you then please do not write MB corporate and complain. For all others, you know what to do.

 

I replaced the cap. Low fuel light started flashing again after 5 miles down the road. I made a stop, shut off the engine and whenI restarted and drove for another 14-15 miles it never came on again.???? Don't know if it will come on again or not but thissounds odd. Any ideas, anybody?

 

Yea, Mercedes are kinda known for being sensative to their gas caps. Mine even tripped the CEL. Eventually it went away but now I know.

 

Can take up to 19 engine restarts to clear cel.

Bazzle