ammar_rage

Hey guys,

I was on my way back from work on the highway when I noiced the CEL came on ( the outside temp was -10 C) i got home and checked for the codes, here is what i got:

p0128
p0600

2003 C230 KOMPRESSOR

p0128 has to do something with the thermostat , i have no idea what this could be, please advise if this is something dangerous and expensive...cud i operate the vehicle in the mean time, though it appears to be running absolutely perfectly.

Plus if it is a faulty thermostat, then cud it be fixed? is it somethng that i cud do on my own?

please also note that, i noticed some tickling noises over the past few days from near the maf area, cud it be related.

Is this covered under MAJOR Component warranty?
If not then what am i looking at about from the STEALERSHIP!!
ANY HELP WUD BE HIGHLY APPRECAITED.

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

1st lite

DTC P0128-Coolant Thermostat (below regulating temp). Check your water temp. with your MFD on the steering wheel. Water temp. should be around 190°F (85-90°C) with the engine warmed up. If the engine doesn't reach this temperature, your thermostat most likely isn't funtioning properly and should be replaced. If you have some common mechanical knowledge, you can most likely DIY. Don't forget to let the engine cool down then drain the engine coolant before you remove the thermostat. I'm not sure if this is still covered under warranty, but I don't think so. Check your owners manual/warranty booklet.
P600 code - Serial Communication Link.
Good luck, and let us know how everything goes.

ammar_rage

thanks f your msg, i have a few question for you and your hep will be highly appreciated.

i kept a close eye on the temp today and noticed that it was keeing between 70-80 degree celsius when the outside temp was -9.

secondly i was just wondering if you could outline the procedure as to exactly where the location of the thermostat is and what are the steps. If i know what to do, i ca certainnly do it, i called the dealership today and there estimate was like close to $300 and i cant afford that kinda luxury at the moment. I wud really appreciate if someone cud help me with the procedure..in the meantime is it safe to operate the vehicle in this condition ???? the temp stays betweenn 70-80 degree celsius that doesnot look awefully bad than the normal operating temp...right?

please help.
thanks
Ammar.

1st lite

Have you tried clearing the codes, and if you have, do the same codes
re-appear after a day or two? 70-80°C doesn't sound too far off operating temp, especially in -10° weather. I think a thermostat that's working properly, your engine should reach normal operating temp., or close to it in about 20-30 minute range. Even at -9°C.
If you still want to replace the thermostat, you can purchase one online at autohausaz.com or other auto parts suppliers (about $30).
Location of the thermostat is located at the front of the engine near the top.
Follow the upper radiator hose to the engine. Remove hose and then unbolt the 3 torx bolts from the thermostat housing. Reverse order for install. Don't forget to let the engine cool down first before draining the coolant. Refill coolant reservoir with 50/50 mix. Use MB or Zerex Z05 engine coolant.

ammar_rage

Thanks alot 1stLite, i will remove the codes today and see if they re appear, and vehicle does warm to 75-80 C in about 10-15 mins or even less.

I have also been noticing alot of vibration in the car, note again plesae the car is not shaking but i feel vibrations in the steering wheel past 110 km/h , i dont believe its at all related to that since there is no connection but what a coincidence...when i slow the vehicle down to 110 or below it runs smooth...cud it be an allignment issue..any thoughts...?

tanktube67

that should be cover under warranty, if you still have warranty

ammar_rage

I asked the dealer and it is not under the major component warranty!...plus i was just wondering if it is absolutely necessary to drain the coolant completely while changing the thermostat

1st lite

You can drain the coolant level just below the thermostat housing. This way it will not drain onto the engine and on the ground. The drain valve (red in color) is on the bottom of the radiator. I believe you have to remove the front plastic belly pan to get to the valve.

C230 Sport Coup

Sign up for the electronic parts catalog,
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/coverage.jsp
and you can look up the 'stat, and see a drawing of it's location, and any other needed parts, like orings or gaskets.
Run the pn's here for pricing (West coast)
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214484
or here (East coast)
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=214089

Get tools and beer...and a warm garage..
and a gallon of antifreeze, Zerex G-05.
If you don't have torx and inverted torx set, buy them.
Craftsmen make them, though I have cheap set from Kragens.

Please update your profile to indicate year and model of car, and location,
helps people help you!

ammar_rage

Thanks guys for your help, i was keeping a constant eye on the operating temp of the car and it was running about normal operating temperature..that led me to belive that prolly the thermostat was stuck open for a while so it threw the code and then started working properly...so i went to partsource and got them to check out the codes again....as i was expecting there was no code for thermostat anymmore and the only code was 0600 so i got the guy to clear the code for me and the chec engine light went away..i have been driving since then almost 200 km and everything looks good for now!

Boom vang

I had a CEL on this week and it turned out to be the thermostat.

The repair cost $198 including part, diagnosis, and installation at Mercedes Downtown.

It kills me to pay an hour's labour to put it in but with the electronics as it is, I had no idea that this triggered CEL, and not having a scan tool or code reader this would have been the last place to check for the fault.

Needless to say I have rebuilt my TR6 from ground up so a thermostat replacement has got to be one of the easiest procedure. It would have not been nice to change the thermostat earlier in the week when it was -20C outside.

Guess this is one of the 'honours' of owning a Benz...if you can't afford the repairs then you should not own a car like this and drive a Corolla instead!

ohlord

p0600 was most likely a temporary data error and it cleared itself.

To the last post.You can pick up a obd2 scanner for 39 bucks from
http://www.harborfreight.com unit #94169 online or at the store in buffalo if you get down there.
comes in handy to know what the code is and if it is something you can diy
2 race MG's so I know what you mean about simple repairs.
ohlord

skpatel

I need to replace thermostat on my 2006 C280. Do I need to remove the idler pulley? I tried to see the bolts but one is behind the pulley.

skpatel

I had the error P0128. I have 2006 C280. It is a bad thermostat error. I have written a DIY with pictures on how to replace it. Here is the link to it. It is not C230 but you will get the idea.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...w203-c280.html

I also changed coolant while replacing the thermostat.