Dire need of help
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C280 4matic
Dire need of help
hello all, I am in dire need of help! My cooling system fan started running on high yesterday with the temps hovering at a balmy +10 F degrees yesterday. I have a couple questions....
1. Is it safe to drive like that?
2. What are the potential causes?
3. Quick fix suggestions as my closest dealer is 6 hours away.
It is a 2007 C280 4matic
appreciate the assurance and hope all have a great holiday
1. Is it safe to drive like that?
2. What are the potential causes?
3. Quick fix suggestions as my closest dealer is 6 hours away.
It is a 2007 C280 4matic
appreciate the assurance and hope all have a great holiday
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
1) Check your coolant level.
2) Check for coolant leaks.
3) Check coolant temperature sensor if 1) and 2) are okay.
I imagine it should be fine to drive if 1) and 2) pass. Not a full expert on this but I don't recall ever reading about any coolant pump failures on the W203 forums. 1) is most critical obviously. If the level is low, top up (up to the bottom of the black plastic part of the expansion tank) with distilled water and drive as normal until you have a chance to visit the dealer. Keep track of how much water you've added, as you will need to know how much MB coolant to add afterwards. Hopefully your math skills are up to snuff. You ultimately want a 1:1 ratio of coolant to water.
(I accept no responsibility if you end up blowing up your engine)
2) Check for coolant leaks.
3) Check coolant temperature sensor if 1) and 2) are okay.
I imagine it should be fine to drive if 1) and 2) pass. Not a full expert on this but I don't recall ever reading about any coolant pump failures on the W203 forums. 1) is most critical obviously. If the level is low, top up (up to the bottom of the black plastic part of the expansion tank) with distilled water and drive as normal until you have a chance to visit the dealer. Keep track of how much water you've added, as you will need to know how much MB coolant to add afterwards. Hopefully your math skills are up to snuff. You ultimately want a 1:1 ratio of coolant to water.
(I accept no responsibility if you end up blowing up your engine)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
C280 4matic
1) Check your coolant level.
2) Check for coolant leaks.
3) Check coolant temperature sensor if 1) and 2) are okay.
I imagine it should be fine to drive if 1) and 2) pass. Not a full expert on this but I don't recall ever reading about any coolant pump failures on the W203 forums. 1) is most critical obviously. If the level is low, top up (up to the bottom of the black plastic part of the expansion tank) with distilled water and drive as normal until you have a chance to visit the dealer. Keep track of how much water you've added, as you will need to know how much MB coolant to add afterwards. Hopefully your math skills are up to snuff. You ultimately want a 1:1 ratio of coolant to water.
(I accept no responsibility if you end up blowing up your engine)
2) Check for coolant leaks.
3) Check coolant temperature sensor if 1) and 2) are okay.
I imagine it should be fine to drive if 1) and 2) pass. Not a full expert on this but I don't recall ever reading about any coolant pump failures on the W203 forums. 1) is most critical obviously. If the level is low, top up (up to the bottom of the black plastic part of the expansion tank) with distilled water and drive as normal until you have a chance to visit the dealer. Keep track of how much water you've added, as you will need to know how much MB coolant to add afterwards. Hopefully your math skills are up to snuff. You ultimately want a 1:1 ratio of coolant to water.
(I accept no responsibility if you end up blowing up your engine)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
If the engine runs cooler than usual it's not a huge deal - the only thing it affects is emissions, until it goes up to the correct operating temperature. In other words, your car will be totally driveable.
Actually one thing I didn't mention is that your coolant thermostat may have failed. These things fail in the "open" position, resulting in your engine running cooler than usual (from excessive coolant circulation) and sometimes throwing a CEL. Not sure about your particular V6 engine but on mine it was a very simple fix (2 bolts and pulling out the hose). If you didn't see any issues with the coolant level, I would actually check this next. Be sure to have some distilled water on hand, as you will lose some coolant (maybe 1/4 to 1/3 of total) when pulling out this part to inspect. The part is also very cheap, at some $40 online. Good luck.
Actually one thing I didn't mention is that your coolant thermostat may have failed. These things fail in the "open" position, resulting in your engine running cooler than usual (from excessive coolant circulation) and sometimes throwing a CEL. Not sure about your particular V6 engine but on mine it was a very simple fix (2 bolts and pulling out the hose). If you didn't see any issues with the coolant level, I would actually check this next. Be sure to have some distilled water on hand, as you will lose some coolant (maybe 1/4 to 1/3 of total) when pulling out this part to inspect. The part is also very cheap, at some $40 online. Good luck.
Last edited by slammer111; Dec 24, 2017 at 06:39 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 194
From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
at 0 you could probably disconnect the fan took you figure it out.
