MB Enthusiast

I have a 1997 E320 and this morning after driving a while the low fuel light started flashing even though I have 3/4 tank

I just fill it up and burned a 1/4 tank when this happened

After shutting the car off and letting it sit for an hour the light was gone

Tonight there was an acident so I put the car in park an idled for about 3 - 5 minutes

The light began to flash again and then the check engine light came on

Any suggestions

The car has high miles 230K

The engine seems to be running smooth so far

galleryvw

get used to it - i've been dealing with this ghost since i bought mine. the car is sensing a loss of pressure in the fuel system (actually loss of vacuum). the most common suggestion is to check the gas cap. the other reasons are leaks in the systems, bad charcoal canister, bad sensor, bad fuel sender. bottom line is it's a bad design. one of these days i plan to pull my dash and take that $#@$% bulb out. Anybody with step by step directions on this - please post!

ohlord

it may be the fuel cap warning,some are set to blink when a leak in the emission system is detected.Like the cap is loose or the gasket is bad,if ignored it will after enough time trigger a cel.Put the cap on properly and check the gasket it may be torn.If not get the code and post it,should read a code for evap system leak.
ohlord
in your manual under fuel cap warning in the index.

ohlord

however since he just filled up that may be the culprit.
Also if you remove the bulb you still won't pass a smog test so you might as well fix it before test time comes and you fail.
ohlord

MB Enthusiast

You guys are great

I would not have had this car this long if I did not have this resource

Thanks again!

MB Enthusiast

The code P455

Evaporator Emmission Control System Leak Large

ohlord

you checked the cap?If okay,are you in the habit of topping off the tank when filling?

MB Enthusiast

Yes

I checked the cap and it seems fine but I guess I could buy a new one

No I never top off or run the car while fueling

I am in Orlando Florida and we just had a 30+ degree drop in tempature

Do you think this could have triggered something?

The car starts fine and seems to run so far smooth and the light comes on after about 15 to 20 minutes of driving

ohlord

flipping the gasket over in the cap,gently pry it out and turn it over and put the cap back on.Search my diy post in the diy section on benzworld.org w210 section on cleaning the purge valve.
If you can get it on a lift inspect the lines to and rom the evap charcoal canister.
Good luck in finding the leak,you need to and a visual inspection is the first step,before locating someone with a smoke machine,that pumps in smoke and you find the leak easy.

MB Enthusiast

Thanks

I will try what you suggested