Oil in harness- Which harness is it?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2011
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2001 w203 C180
Here is one of his threads. He put the harness in alcohol.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...light=Ichibans
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...light=Ichibans
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 100
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2001 w203 C180
The only issue i have at the moment is erratic idle on startup. I'm not sure if the oil in the harness is the cause of this? My current fuel consumption is 7.5lt/100kms.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2011
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2001 w203 C180
No problem, let me know if you need any help.
You'll notice from the link Glynn posted that the alcohol bath doesn't have much oil in it after soaking the harness. That's cause small braided wire can only hold so much oil, and its a minuscule amount compared to what you'll flush out of the O2 sensor sending units. Thus why I don't believe its worthwhile to replace the harness, especially since only half the harness is affected. You'd be better off revisiting the cleaning a few times down the road as the last of the oil works its way out of the harness. This is why I'd recommend not replacing the O2 sensors at first. Clean everything and monitor gas mileage. If it doesn't improve then replace the O2 sensors and hope most of the oil has worked its way out the bottom.
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
You'll notice from the link Glynn posted that the alcohol bath doesn't have much oil in it after soaking the harness. That's cause small braided wire can only hold so much oil, and its a minuscule amount compared to what you'll flush out of the O2 sensor sending units. Thus why I don't believe its worthwhile to replace the harness, especially since only half the harness is affected. You'd be better off revisiting the cleaning a few times down the road as the last of the oil works its way out of the harness. This is why I'd recommend not replacing the O2 sensors at first. Clean everything and monitor gas mileage. If it doesn't improve then replace the O2 sensors and hope most of the oil has worked its way out the bottom.
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
Will attempt this next week as i have plans for the comng weekend.
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Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Cape town
not a merc
usually the erratic idling is caused by false air, such as your breather hoses that develop leaks, best is too check the fault codes first, usually with the oil issue i make up a new harnes just for the O2 sensors. just wash the oil out of the plugs of the sensors and it will be ok.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2011
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c230 coupe
$$$-I'v got to do it too!!!
Originally Posted by Bogger 
Dealing with this issue thru MB Canada as we speak... So far it has been frustrating and I am in the "never want to buy a benz again" mentality... Never had such issues dealing with BMW.... apparently a 7 year old Mercedes this is to be expected...funny my BMW was 15 years old with almost 300K Km and was trouble free.
A service campaign was issued in the US... but not recognized in other markets..
FILE:
SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION _ PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2009100001, December 2009
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
Models 170/203, Model Years 2001 - 2004 / 2002 - 2004
Replace the Camshaft Adjustment Solenoid(s) and Install Adapter Harness(es)
Revision Date Purposea 12/15/09 Inclusion of reimbursement information- 12/04/09 Initial issue
This Service Campaign has been initiated because Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that due to the settling properties of the seal of the camshaft adjustment solenoid specification, oil may enter the engine wiring harness (es) through the electrical connection of the camshaft adjustment solenoid from capillary action. Dealers will replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install an additional adapter connector harness (es) at the next workshop visit.
Prior to performing this Service Campaign:
^Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
^Please review the entire Service Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.
Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 66,113 vehicles are affected.
To date mercedes has offered up to pay for 50% of the parts ($2000) while I'm on the hook for 50% parts plus labor ($4300).... It's going in for a second opinion to another dealer... I figure if the ECU, MAF sensor, O2 sensors X2, wiring harness X2 (one at $578) etc.etc.etc... were all shot the car would not run...and it does.
Dealing with this issue thru MB Canada as we speak... So far it has been frustrating and I am in the "never want to buy a benz again" mentality... Never had such issues dealing with BMW.... apparently a 7 year old Mercedes this is to be expected...funny my BMW was 15 years old with almost 300K Km and was trouble free.
A service campaign was issued in the US... but not recognized in other markets..
FILE:
SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION _ PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2009100001, December 2009
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
Models 170/203, Model Years 2001 - 2004 / 2002 - 2004
Replace the Camshaft Adjustment Solenoid(s) and Install Adapter Harness(es)
Revision Date Purposea 12/15/09 Inclusion of reimbursement information- 12/04/09 Initial issue
This Service Campaign has been initiated because Daimler AG (DAG), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that due to the settling properties of the seal of the camshaft adjustment solenoid specification, oil may enter the engine wiring harness (es) through the electrical connection of the camshaft adjustment solenoid from capillary action. Dealers will replace the camshaft adjustment solenoid(s) and install an additional adapter connector harness (es) at the next workshop visit.
Prior to performing this Service Campaign:
^Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
^Please review the entire Service Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.
Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 66,113 vehicles are affected.
To date mercedes has offered up to pay for 50% of the parts ($2000) while I'm on the hook for 50% parts plus labor ($4300).... It's going in for a second opinion to another dealer... I figure if the ECU, MAF sensor, O2 sensors X2, wiring harness X2 (one at $578) etc.etc.etc... were all shot the car would not run...and it does.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2011
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2001 w203 C180
Hi RVR76
Yes i did manage to sort out the oil in harness problem. Going with what the guys on the forum had suggested, i had the harness removed and cleaned.
I used a aerosol spray (electronic contact cleaner i think it was called). It was cleaned 6 times just to make sure all the oil was out of the harness
I also had the upstream and downstream 02 sensors replaced along with the MAF. The total cost of the parts was about R6,200.
Did you replace your cam magnet?
Yes i did manage to sort out the oil in harness problem. Going with what the guys on the forum had suggested, i had the harness removed and cleaned.
I used a aerosol spray (electronic contact cleaner i think it was called). It was cleaned 6 times just to make sure all the oil was out of the harness
I also had the upstream and downstream 02 sensors replaced along with the MAF. The total cost of the parts was about R6,200.
Did you replace your cam magnet?
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Joined: Jul 2012
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2003 C-180
Selwyn
It is suggested that I do (Cam magnets R819.60), they also recommended that i change the harnesses (R684.78). My vehicle ran down from mpumalanga to Durban (700km) giving me 6.8l/100km and coming back again 7.1l/100km. vehicle have no misfires no problems what so ever. Engine light came on yesterday had it diagnosed, drove 45km back home, light off, havent came on since.
Wondering if i shouldnt just replace the magnets and the harness and just clean all the other sensors. and hope that nothing else needs to be replaced.
It is suggested that I do (Cam magnets R819.60), they also recommended that i change the harnesses (R684.78). My vehicle ran down from mpumalanga to Durban (700km) giving me 6.8l/100km and coming back again 7.1l/100km. vehicle have no misfires no problems what so ever. Engine light came on yesterday had it diagnosed, drove 45km back home, light off, havent came on since.
Wondering if i shouldnt just replace the magnets and the harness and just clean all the other sensors. and hope that nothing else needs to be replaced.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
2001 w203 C180
Yeah, you have to replace the cam magnets and fit the pigtail wire to avoid any further contamination. Did the oil reach your ECU as yet?
Is the price of the wiring harness R684.78?? I was quoted +- R6,000 from mercedes.
If the price of the harness is indeed R684 you should replace it.
Does you Merc have the M111 engine? and is it a kompressor?
Is the price of the wiring harness R684.78?? I was quoted +- R6,000 from mercedes.
If the price of the harness is indeed R684 you should replace it.
Does you Merc have the M111 engine? and is it a kompressor?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
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2003 C-180
Hi Selwyn
I have a 2003 180Compressor m271 engine, i dont know if the oil reached the ecu yet, but assuming that my car doesnt have any stutters or any irregularities i dont think so, im taking my vehicle to a ex merc technician on Monday for a in depth check up (R450) and then will start ordering the required spares, then will take a day or two before they pitch up. Hopefully have it running on Thursday.
I have a 2003 180Compressor m271 engine, i dont know if the oil reached the ecu yet, but assuming that my car doesnt have any stutters or any irregularities i dont think so, im taking my vehicle to a ex merc technician on Monday for a in depth check up (R450) and then will start ordering the required spares, then will take a day or two before they pitch up. Hopefully have it running on Thursday.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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2003 C-180
Hi Rebecca419
Depending what other hidden costs is im gonna try and replace, but when the wallet starts getting empty, i'll try and repair where ever i can. My technician also recommended that i replace, but also said if need be we can clean it, he also solders on the inside to stop the oil from coming through again the 2nd time around.
Depending what other hidden costs is im gonna try and replace, but when the wallet starts getting empty, i'll try and repair where ever i can. My technician also recommended that i replace, but also said if need be we can clean it, he also solders on the inside to stop the oil from coming through again the 2nd time around.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Once you have everything sorted please fit the pigtales so if you have another leak it does not mess up the harness.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Aug 2, 2012 at 05:02 PM.
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
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2005 MB CLK500 AMG CONVT.
Hi, and thanks for replying !
So now what code you have?
And did you replaced the magnets and the 2 Harness's?
I had code p0366
and changed the cam sensor from the rear driver side ,
then i had this p0340,
now p0020... o boy.
Thanks,
So now what code you have?
And did you replaced the magnets and the 2 Harness's?
I had code p0366
and changed the cam sensor from the rear driver side ,
then i had this p0340,
now p0020... o boy.
Thanks,
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 262
Likes: 34
From: Houston, TX
'05 S430, '05 S600
Wether it is related to code P0020 or not this is an actual recall (Campaign) for the w203s with the M271 engine so if yours has not had this fix performed then you should go to your nearest MB dealership and have them perform this "fix". Easiest way to tell is by looking under the front, upper cover of your engine and looking for the green tags on the intermediate harness that they install to perform the fix. On my car the tech who did the work, zip tied the slack of the new intermediate harness in an upwards loop onto the engine hoisting rings with the zip tie going through the small hole. This way if oil gets through again, it has to fight gravity to make it further down the harness. Hope this helps a bit.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 40
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2005 MB CLK500 AMG CONVT.
Wether it is related to code P0020 or not this is an actual recall (Campaign) for the w203s with the M271 engine so if yours has not had this fix performed then you should go to your nearest MB dealership and have them perform this "fix". Easiest way to tell is by looking under the front, upper cover of your engine and looking for the green tags on the intermediate harness that they install to perform the fix. On my car the tech who did the work, zip tied the slack of the new intermediate harness in an upwards loop onto the engine hoisting rings with the zip tie going through the small hole. This way if oil gets through again, it has to fight gravity to make it further down the harness. Hope this helps a bit.
Thanks for the advice!, I have look and the harness has white stickers,so it looks that has not been changed!, so the recall was on the harness only? or for those round magnets too?
Now if this is a recall ,do i have to pay at the dealer?
What i am thinking all this codes is related to the oil , leaking somewhere into the wires.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 262
Likes: 34
From: Houston, TX
'05 S430, '05 S600
Look through these pictures posted by Glyn, The first engine picture shows the cam sensors as they would be BEFORE the recall work (Purple arrows). As you can see, they were simply plugged into the cam magnets and facing down which as the sensor leaked allowed the oil to drain into the sheathing of the wiring and make its way to other sensors and eventually the ECU. The short harness with the green label is what was used on the recall. The use of the harness TOGETHER with tying the slack up and in such a way to not allow oil to move down the harness is what MB came up with to resolve the issue. You mentioned you have white labels on your connectors? You might have had the recall performed since the original harness has no labels at all. AGAIN, look at the first engine picture above, if you have more than one set of connectors then you have had the intermediate harness installed and the recall performed. If your car still needs this done I believe it should be free since the bulletin said there's no expiration for this fix but I'm not certain of that, especially if there is damage from the oil getting into things. The best thing you could do is call your nearest MB dealership and have your VIN, ask them that you want to see if there are any open campaigns on a vehicle and then give them your VIN. They will tell you and also can tell you the details as to what is and what is not covered. Good luck!
Member
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Posts: 90
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From: San Francisco, CA
2003 C230 Sedan Manual
I noticed there are 2 separate harnesses hooking into to the ECU. One of them is obviously the engine harness that traces back to the camshaft solenoids. Just curious what the other thick harness is for. It seems to come from behind the firewall, and uses as similar but separate connector to the ECU. Does it connect to one of these front or rear SAM units? Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4
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SLK compressor 1.8
I have exactly this problem just purchased the car from Melbourne drove to Sydney car was running fine next morning car over revving has been in mechanics for 2 days with oil in harness description from mechanic help and general info or cost would be greatly appreciated
