I accidently spilled some coffee this morning in my center console. 5 minutes later, my check engine light comes on. Related? Who knows. So I call the dealer and ask them what the charge is to read the code.

$180.00 to just GET the code!!!!! WTF!!!!!!!!

I call another dealer. $44.00

I don't get it. What a scam. Anyway, do those ODB-II readers really work? I know they don't fix the problem, but I would prefer a heads up of what is wrong before taking it in. OBVIOUSLY there is differences in opinion on what REASONABLE diagnostic charges are.

Doug, I found an earlier thread that you mentioned you owned one of these readers. Does it work well?

Thanks,

-B-

 

Not sure but I heard from another post that Pep Boys checks the code for FREE for you.

timecop369

 

Autozone does diagnostic services for free. Many local gas stations are not equiped to check Mercedes, so make sure you ask first. My check engine light went on. I took it to the dealer and found out that it was a problem with my transmission. They agreed to pro-rate the check engine diagnostic service, since I got the car repaired from them.

Hope this helps.

 

check out this

http://www.auterraweb.com/interface.html

all you need a palm device, if you already have a palm that's great, if you don't then you could even use an older one that's used for 60 bucks or so


i'm planning on getting this sometime
good on any car that's in the US from 96 and up

 

Yes I have an OBD II reader. It doesn't work on my car. I think because the box that it came in said for 1996 and newer. I thougt it would work anyway since I have OBD II. Just do a search on ebay. They have them for about $45. One use and it's more than paid for. That's a pretty funny story with the coffee though.

 

You got it PKS485. Autozone does diagnostics w/ descriptions for FREE.

SO, HERES A BIG F.U. TO THE DEALER!

Turns out, the coffee was not related. Or at least I can't see how.

Code P0171, and P0173. Translation: The fuel system for bank 1 was too lean, and the fuel compensation value for bank 2 exceeded the specified range.

Uh wah?

Bad Gas? At least I know what the codes are and I can now schedule a warranty appt. w/ the Stealership.

Thanks for all of your help.

-B-

 

do you know how they where able to reset the check engine light?

 

They press the reset button on their OBD II reader.

 

Well, I took my car to the dealer finally, and sure enough it was the M.A.S. The car was still covered under warranty so there was no charge. I peaked at their invoice which was $600.00

18900 miles, and already a bad M.A.S.????


-B-

 

Had my check engine reset a couple of weeks ago... my friend is a mechanic, and he used the snap-on scanner on it that they have at work....that tool has a generic OBD-II reader (the specific M/B card is optional and expensive I am told)....it gave code # PO....something about the oxygen sensor detecting a lean mixture....translation somebody put regular (WTF)........reset it and almost 1 K miles later no problems....(hopefully)....

Was wondering though....how many oxygen sensors does a 95 C280 have? one or two? anyone changed theirs recently, how much do they cost (thinking of changing it before the winter, hopefully get better gas mileage/performance) ....

 

you have two sensors. i can get them for you. after catalyst $140.00 and $130.00 for before catalyst. shipping is about $3.00 each item.

 

about the check engine light....
i have the snapon scanner but for some reason i couldnt reset the light. the way to do it is to diconect the battery for atleast 30 seconds.