tchantler

Please help me solve a problem. I have a limited but working knowledge of engines. I am between a rock and a hard place with the dealer and don't know what to believe.

Here are my questions:
Can a variety of maladies cause the 1208 code or is that generated by just one thing?

For example, could the timing chain stretch and cause the 1208 code or is it limited to the gears that run the cams? Could one of the gears get fixed and then the other wear out and cause it to throw the 1208 again?

How do the tech's know what to service if a code can be thrown by multiple causes?

I have a 2006 e350 wagon 6 cyl. 114k miles.

Tom

mrbobby

It would help if you posted the VIN number. There were internal issues with the V-6 engine of that era and the VIN number will tell if your car is in that group.

tchantler

Thanks MrBobby,

It's been a nightmare this car. Yes it's within the group you're thinking of. #wdbuh56jx6a770263
Thank you.

mike278

The 1208 code usually means that the balance shaft gear (on v6's) or the idler gear (v8's) is worn. If the shop you're using has a borescope, they could go in through the cam solenoid (removed) and take a look to be sure. On the v6's, the engine must be pulled and the balance shaft replaced. The gear is made onto the shaft. On the v8's the idler gear is replaceable. Never heard of any problems with chain stretch, so I don't think that will be an issue.

tchantler

Hey Mike278. Thanks so much for the reply. It's a v6. I had the balance shaft gear replaced at a local dealer ($3100). 11 months into a 12 month warranty, the 1208 code reappears. They told me it was "not related to our earlier work on the car" and that it was now the timing chain that had stretched and thrown the code 1208. They wouldn't give me paperwork when I picked it up. Now the check-engine light is on and I cannot sell it or trade it in. I'm stuck. How can I find out definitively, like from MBZ that the 1208 code is only for the balance shafts? Thanks again for your help.

mike278

One way to check is to remove the camshaft hall sensors and rotate the crank to line up the 305 marking on the pulley with the guide edge cast into the timing cover. The markings on the pulse wheels have to be centered in the sensor holes. This will tell if the basic position is correct. Even the TSB referencing the balance shaft gear does not call for replacing the chain. Not saying it can't happen, but I would look elsewhere first. Maybe a crank/cam position relearn? It's about a 12 hour job to replace the chain, and the only way to know for sure if it is stretched would be to take it out and measure.

mike278

Just had a thought, check your invoice and make sure they put a new chain tensioner in. These lock in the outermost position and if they re-used the old one they could possibly stretch the chain by doing so.

tchantler

Brilliant Mike and again, many thanks. Let me clarify: My car was fixed 11 months ago at a local dealer when the 1208 code came up. 11 months into that 12 month service warranty, the 1208 comes up again. A clear case of warranty re-repair as I see it. Unless what the dealer tells me is true. They say that the 1208 in this case is "unrelated to our earlier work". If 1208 can be generated by multiple causes. They could be right. If not, I'm right and will have a better case in small claims court. Tom

biker349

i'd bring it to another dealer, or repair place and have them check the problem so you have something to back you up id the dealer is wrong.

tchantler

Thanks Biker349. I took it to an independent MBZ mechanic who I trust and have the paperwork telling me its the 1208. But if 1208 can be caused by more than one thing the dealer may be right in telling me that its "unrelated". That's what I'm struggling to find out. Can 1208 be generated from multiple causes?

biker349

like mike278 said, you mechanic has to do further diagnosis to find out the exact cause of the code. evidentally there are multiple causes. your mechanic has to prove that the cause of the code is due to the previous dealer repair. sorry, that's all i can suggest. tough problem. dealers always have wiggle room on repairs saying something else caused the problem.

tchantler

Biker 349 and mike278, I so appreciate your time and expertise. Many thanks.

pete diegan

@Mike: between borescope and check seal at 305 crankshaft, which one is more reliable? Borescope may show some wear (normally) but can't say it worn enough to be out of bound (as far as camshaft, crankshaft relation)? On the other hand, I heard from some owner that seals are right in the center when crankshaft is at 305 degree; yet they still have DTC1208! Mine case could be one of those (have not check seals yet)--since I have virtually no bad symptoms (no noise, no rough idling, no loss of power, no loss of gas mileage)! What else do you it could be the reason for DTC1208 only when drive at 80mph or above 4000 rpm for extended period of time? Thank you.