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I've been getting the Malfunction ⬆️ light periodically and at random the last couple weeks.
Ive replaced the front struts about a year and a half ago with new front Arnott struts and bags. Ive replaced the the rear bags but not the struts with Arnott bags.
Yesterday when I started the GL i smelled what smelled like the engine was running extremely rich. Almost a gasoline odor.
To add, while I was driving my COMMAND turned it self off while driving, I turned it back on, it shut off again, I turned it back on and haven't had a problem since.
When I used the drivers side automatic window switch to roll up the passenger side window, it lowered the window instead of raising.
I went into the diagnosis mode to check my battery voltage. I replaced the battery with a Duralast 2 years ago. With engine off, I was pulling 11.2 volts. I started the engine, it dropped to 8.4 volts for a millisecond and jumped to 12.1 volts immediately. With a slight rev of the engine it jumped to 14.0 volts.
This morning the GL popped on with a check engine light.
What's odd is on my way to work I was getting 16mpg all highway. Driving home tonight I got an unreal 19.8mpg!! I've never gotten 19mpg, ever.
I can't get the codes checked til Monday or possibly Tuesday due to Presidents Day.
I planned on parking it tonight and taking the Trackhawk in the morning, but at 19.8mpg, I'm debating weather to continue to drive for my pockets sake. I use premium gas only and always have.
All opinions are welcomed.
I posted this incase anyone else has the same issues and may need this for reference at a later date.
I will post back when I get the check engine light codes read. I'm sure some of you may know what it is already though.
And your battery box under the passenger seat as well.
How old is your battery?
Weird things happen at its end of life, also when the electronics around it gets soaked in water.
I went into the diagnosis mode to check my battery voltage. I replaced the battery with a Duralast 2 years ago. With engine off, I was pulling 11.2 volts. I started the engine, it dropped to 8.4 volts for a millisecond and jumped to 12.1 volts immediately. With a slight rev of the engine it jumped to 14.0 volts.
I went into the diagnosis mode to check my battery voltage. I replaced the battery with a Duralast 2 years ago. With engine off, I was pulling 11.2 volts. I started the engine, it dropped to 8.4 volts for a millisecond and jumped to 12.1 volts immediately. With a slight rev of the engine it jumped to 14.0 volts.
What "malfunction" light (from your first post) are you referring to?
11.2V at rest is way, WAY low. Check for voltage directly at the battery with a voltmeter. If it's still low, you can fully charge and load test it to double check. But if that's the true voltage and you have no parasitic draw, the battery is toast. Start with that since all of the other issues you have going on "could" be due to the battery - since they all seem to be electrical.
I started the GL today only to find the check engine light NOT on anymore. Again, odd behavior. Dennis I believe you to be correct, possible low battery.
Max- I removed the rear tire and pulled up the carpet. No water or signs of moisture whatsoever.
Dennis- The malfunction light in question is a picture of the the GL with an arrow pointing up. It has the word "Malfunction". I believe it to be the air suspension "malfunction" indicator light.
I started the GL today only to find the check engine light NOT on anymore. Again, odd behavior. Dennis I believe you to be correct, possible low battery.
Max- I removed the rear tire and pulled up the carpet. No water or signs of moisture whatsoever.
Dennis- The malfunction light in question is a picture of the the GL with an arrow pointing up. It has the word "Malfunction". I believe it to be the air suspension "malfunction" indicator light.
yes the malfunction message is for airmatic.
but you got so much else going on and dry electronics, so that leaves your battery as the culprit.
when you replace the battery under the passenger seat check for water there as well.
Dennis- The malfunction light in question is a picture of the the GL with an arrow pointing up. It has the word "Malfunction". I believe it to be the air suspension "malfunction" indicator light.
Thanks. I wasn't sure if you were referring to the Check Engine Light and just generically calling that a "malfunction" light.
I'll replace the battery this weekend and report back. I appreciate everyone's advice and help.
Should I replace with an OEM Mercedes battery?
Test the battery first. Why waste money if you don't have to? Charge it and have it load tested. Heck, most local auto stores do that for free.
No, you don't need the "Mercedes" battery. Just one that meets the proper specs. Duracell is made by Deka - who makes great batteries. Interstate is another excellent battery manufacturer.
I'll replace the battery this weekend and report back. I appreciate everyone's advice and help.
Should I replace with an OEM Mercedes battery?
no. Any Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery that fits and has the requisite cold cranking amps will be fine.
Your local parts store can get you one of these if not in stock - absolutely no need to go to dealer, but you will have to get an AGM type battery vice a wet cell since the battery is technically inside the cabin (under the passenger seat). Don’t let the parts guys’ll you a wet cell battery!
Just make sure it is not taller than the OE battery. One I purchased years ago for my 164 GL450 was taller so I had to remove some material on the plastic plate that covers the battery compartment. Other than that, any AGM with the right CCA's should work fine. Dealer wanted $450 for the battery in my GL63 and I replaced for $184 out the door and it took me 15 minutes to install.
While inspecting vacuum lines etc, I came across this severe leak. The pictures are from the drivers side, just under the plastic air intake tube. Is this antifreeze? Power stearing fluid? Someone any help with feedback please. 2010 GL550
While inspecting vacuum lines etc, I came across this severe leak. The pictures are from the drivers side, just under the plastic air intake tube. Is this antifreeze? Power stearing fluid? Someone any help with feedback please. 2010 GL550
Easy fix.
looks like power steering fluid from the description of the location. Too light to be engine oil.
$3.50 for a new reservoir o-ring. the old one has hardened and is no longer keeping the reservoir / pump connection tight. Worst case you gave a crack in the reservoir. Thats a whopping $75 to replace.
Is it actively leaking? The color looks like someone may have previously put a dye in it to find the leak? Power steering fluid would be red, right? Or maybe it's yellow coolant - but that usually dries up to a whitish stain, doesn't it? The color has me second guessing myself.
If you're not sure if it's active, clean it up and see if it comes back. And then you can tell better where it's coming from, too.
Last edited by DennisG01; Feb 25, 2020 at 10:37 AM.
Dennis- its intermittent. I do have small spots on the driveway. I can't determine where its coming from though. It does appear to have a greenish color. All radiator house are pressurized and not leaking. It is under the power steering pump. I'll check the fluid today.
Yup - I feel silly. I've got a really, really slow power steering leak and added some fluid about 2 years ago. I just started hearing PS noise again, so when I got home I grabbed the Mercedes branded bottle of PS fluid (which is a normal "engine oil" color) which I bought two years ago and proceeded out the car to top it off. When I opened the cap, I noticed there was a little fluid splashed up on the lip of the resrevoir. Guess what color it was? Same yellowish/greenish color you have there! I guess I never noticed that, before. So I did a quick google and it turns out the Pentosin CHF 11S brand is that color. Learn something new!
Yup - I feel silly. I've got a really, really slow power steering leak and added some fluid about 2 years ago. I just started hearing PS noise again, so when I got home I grabbed the Mercedes branded bottle of PS fluid (which is a normal "engine oil" color) which I bought two years ago and proceeded out the car to top it off. When I opened the cap, I noticed there was a little fluid splashed up on the lip of the resrevoir. Guess what color it was? Same yellowish/greenish color you have there! I guess I never noticed that, before. So I did a quick google and it turns out the Pentosin CHF 11S brand is that color. Learn something new!
Dennis- I'm so glad you posted this! What a sign of relief! I will purchase the Pentosin CHF 11s. I learn something new every day with the x164, but I'll admit, I love the GL. I'm a police officer and work has me extremely busy here in St Louis that I haven't had the time to pull the battery and have it checked.
I did inspect the 40amp airmatic fuse under the hood. Upon inspection, the fuse itself is NOT blown. However, the plastic top on the fuse came off as I pulled the fuse. I'm not sure if that would have an impact on my airmatic light being on.
Whats weird is yesterday the airmatic light remand off and the system functioned properly. Today I started the vehicle and it came on again and remained in sport mode. I'm going to order the air filter for the airmatic system next week.
Max- O-ring is on the way from FCP Euro. I'll start there and add fluid. I'll monitor the fluid every other day and if it continues to leak, I'll order the reservoir.
As always, thank you everyone for your help and recommendations. Greatly appreciated!
Off topic, but someone jack wagon seems to always door ding me OR sideswipe me. This happen yesterday and the is the 3rd time something like this has happen. I did paint correction about a year ago too. Frustrating.
Max- O-ring is on the way from FCP Euro. I'll start there and add fluid. I'll monitor the fluid every other day and if it continues to leak, I'll order the reservoir.
As always, thank you everyone for your help and recommendations. Greatly appreciated!
Now, it is only bout $3.50 but it is a pain to get on.
If you don’t have a cracked reservoir the O ring should fix that leak.
Be very careful not losing the c-clip that locks the reservoir to the pump intake tube when pulling it off - you should be able to lever it out with a flathead screwdriver.
Lube the o-ring before you attempt to slide the reservoir on.
Screw the reservoir into the cylinder head before you insert the c-clip back in. this is the trickiest part.
Dennis- I'm so glad you posted this! What a sign of relief! I will purchase the Pentosin CHF 11s.
!
Just an FYI, you don't "have" to use Pentosin. The MB branded stuff you can get at a local dealer is fine - as is regular Dex III ATF. They will mix just fine.
Pentosin CHF 11S is NOT compatible with red power steering fluid or vice-versa. Any change from one to the other should be completely drained and refilled.
Pentosin CHF 11S is NOT compatible with red power steering fluid or vice-versa. Any change from one to the other should be completely drained and refilled.
Dhurley so since the color thats leaking is the greenish color I SHOULD stick with Pentosin CHF 11S???
Pentosin CHF 11S is NOT compatible with red power steering fluid or vice-versa. Any change from one to the other should be completely drained and refilled.
Maybe I mispoke above. The manual states that either MB brand Power Steering fluid or ATF Dex III can be used. There's no mention of them not being mixable. Somewhere else I read that they can be mixed, too.
Are you positive about Pentosin not mixing with ATF? I think the reason I made that assumption was that I have been mixing Pentosin with MB Fluid for a couple years now. So... if ATF can be mixed with MB Fluid and Pentosin can be mixed with MB Fluid... then doesn't that mean that Pentosin can be mixed with ATF?
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