C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

W203 problem, please help!! URGENT!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 02:52 PM
  #1  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
W203 problem, please help!! URGENT! CDI HUGE POWER LOSS

Hello,

tommorow I am selling my friends 2004 Mercedes C220CDI which I have been driving for a few days already. Everything was today until today.
I need to fix this, because tommorow I will be selling his car - he asked me to sell it to some buyer, because he is gone for a work trip.(everything is already set up).
What happened?

I was driving a car today, parked it, went to the shop, came back, started it, put it into D and pressed the pedal and CHECK YOUR ENGINE CONTROL APPEARED. I was like
Now what happens, everytime I start the car and if I floor it it does accelerate like it should, but everytime I floor it 2nd time, it does not downshift, it does not accelerate they way it should, it barely accelerates.....
I am totally shocked and have no idea what happened. Tommorow I am selling this car and now this....
It is an awful feeling. Please, can someone help me with that? Is it something serious? Maybe if I stop driving the car for a few hours everything will be better? Can I restart a CPU so the thing wont be there? I cant go to dealership or to servis.......I have no time, no money for that.....
This is the thing thats there and it is STEADY and does not go off.








IF anyone knows what this can be, please help. URGENT!

Last edited by GMBALL; Feb 5, 2007 at 03:43 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 03:18 PM
  #2  
ScottW911's Avatar
Super Moderator Alumni
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Sounds like your car has put itself into "limp" mode. This can be serious or minor. I believe the Blinking CEL is really bad while the steady CEL is still drivable.

My suggestion, take it in. The problem might only get more expensive if you don't.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 03:34 PM
  #3  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
Originally Posted by ScottW911
Sounds like your car has put itself into "limp" mode. This can be serious or minor. I believe the Blinking CEL is really bad while the steady CEL is still drivable.

My suggestion, take it in. The problem might only get more expensive if you don't.
Oh sorry for my language skills. It IS NOT blinking CEL, it is STEADY. Can I put it away somehow?
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 03:53 PM
  #4  
mleskovar's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Gas cap on tight? That's the easy guess. All the other guesses besides the obvious loose wires or vacuum leaks require parts. Do you have auto parts stores where you live that will do an OBDII check for free? Why are you worried, it's not like it's your fault it broke.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 03:57 PM
  #5  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
Originally Posted by mleskovar
Gas cap on tight? That's the easy guess. All the other guesses besides the obvious loose wires or vacuum leaks require parts. Do you have auto parts stores where you live that will do an OBDII check for free? Why are you worried, it's not like it's your fault it broke.
Well, dont know of any auto parts stores unfortunately......and if there are any, wont do it for free definetely.....I am worried, because I was driving the car and it happened while I was having it, thats pretty much enough for me...
Well, can I do anything by myself wihouth having to spend money? .........can I switch off "limp home mode"??
I guess I am confused.....
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 04:25 PM
  #6  
mleskovar's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Originally Posted by GMBALL
.........can I switch off "limp home mode"??
:
Yes, it can be 'switched off' but if the failure causing the CEL is solid then it will come back. A good OBDII tester can clear the code(s) causing the CEL. Still don't see why you feel responsible. If anything you should be upset with your friend for putting you in this position.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 04:29 PM
  #7  
MB-BOB's Avatar
Admin Alumni
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,143
Likes: 19
See Garage
Here in the states, one can take the car to Autozone or Pep Boys and have the OBDII check, as noted. In Europe is another story.

You won't be able to reset the light properly until this check is run and the root problem is solved. I know you were driving the car, but it's not your fault as this light can come on at any time. I would postpone brokering the car for your friend (I don't know about Europe but you can't really sell the car in that condition... The owner may be selling to a friend, and you don't want to disguise a problem that could cost him a friendship, or get him sued later). Instead, call the owner to tell him of the bad news with HIS car. Then park it until he returns so that he can handle the problem.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 04:36 PM
  #8  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
Okay. Now it went off. I cant be confused more than now. It just went off. Thank you guys for your answers! I am hoping it wont come on again. If it does, I will probably talk to my friend.....Thanks again!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 05:58 PM
  #9  
mleskovar's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 196
From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Originally Posted by GMBALL
Okay. Now it went off. I cant be confused more than now. !
The CEL responds to a series of checks on the engine. If one of the checks is outside the parameters set for that check the light is activated. If the condition returns to normal the light can go off. Most of the CEL conditions are associated with emission controls (and indirectly performance). Some CEL conditions take multiple on/off cycling of the engine to clear after the condition is corrected. Don't worry, be happy, the light is out.
Reply
Old Feb 5, 2007 | 06:13 PM
  #10  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
Originally Posted by mleskovar
The CEL responds to a series of checks on the engine. If one of the checks is outside the parameters set for that check the light is activated. If the condition returns to normal the light can go off. Most of the CEL conditions are associated with emission controls (and indirectly performance). Some CEL conditions take multiple on/off cycling of the engine to clear after the condition is corrected. Don't worry, be happy, the light is out.
Thanks I just hope it wont come again.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 01:54 AM
  #11  
RUBYMARDIONO's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Auckland, New Zealand, DOWN UNDER
2014 C200 w204
Temperature

ONE THING I CAN REMIND YOU IS : T E M P E R A T U R E. See in the picture you put, it shows 50 C. This might cause the ECU malfunctioned.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 02:14 AM
  #12  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
Originally Posted by RUBYMARDIONO
ONE THING I CAN REMIND YOU IS : T E M P E R A T U R E. See in the picture you put, it shows 50 C. This might cause the ECU malfunctioned.
Yeah, I've gone through all of topics here and some guys said that the temperature might actually cause this. Well, lets hope it was because of that....
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 07:16 AM
  #13  
Moviela's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Folks, no where in Europe is it 50 degrees today. The display says 5.0 degrees C, closer to 40 F. I doubt that temperature is the problem.

You need to find what codes caused the CEL to come on. It may be very simple. Many shops will connect a scanner for 50 Euro's or less. Warranties in Europe tend to be two years, but your problem might be covered by goodwill on the part of Mercedes.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 02:38 PM
  #14  
ScottW911's Avatar
Super Moderator Alumni
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,539
Likes: 4
From: Southern Cal
a C32 AMG & S-Works Tarmac
Originally Posted by Moviela
Folks, no where in Europe is it 50 degrees today. The display says 5.0 degrees C, closer to 40 F. I doubt that temperature is the problem.
Nice catch. That decimal point does make quite a difference. 122 degrees F vs. 41 degrees F. Obviously, temps were not the issue here.
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 03:21 PM
  #15  
XZACM102's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 128
Likes: 7
From: CA
AMG C63s Coupe
mass air flow sensor

My guess is that this is caused by failed mass air flow sensor. I had the same problem on two W203 cars, very common issue indeed.
Cost to replace it in Europe around 500 EUR :-(
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 06:30 PM
  #16  
GMBALL's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 669
Likes: 81
S63 COUPE M157
Originally Posted by XZACM102
My guess is that this is caused by failed mass air flow sensor. I had the same problem on two W203 cars, very common issue indeed.
Cost to replace it in Europe around 500 EUR :-(
Thanks! Nice to see someone else from Prague......now there are 2 of us from Czech.
Anyways, car is sold and I havent received any call yet.........
Reply
Old Feb 6, 2007 | 11:31 PM
  #17  
yeuchau's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
Likes: 0
From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
u have no other choice other than take it to dealer
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2007 | 04:08 PM
  #18  
XZACM102's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 128
Likes: 7
From: CA
AMG C63s Coupe
Originally Posted by GMBALL
Thanks! Nice to see someone else from Prague......now there are 2 of us from Czech.
Anyways, car is sold and I havent received any call yet.........
Zdravim ! It's always good to see here more MB czech fans :-)
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:43 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE