Airmatic Problem - where to start looking?
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6
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2000 S430
Airmatic Problem - where to start looking?
We bought a 2000 S430 a few months ago. No problems, ran fine, until... We let it sit for 3 weeks. Came back, battery's dead. Figured out how to unlock the trunk, jump-started and everything's fine, right?
Well first we got the message that the steering wheel was in the entry position (even though it wasn't) - do not drive. After a few starts and stops, that message disappeared. Took the car on a 2 hour drive. On the way back, the message came on that car is too low, stop driving. Stopped, car raised itself, but problem keeps coming back.
Now, the rear end is low. When we start the car, it tries to raise, but with the hood open, we can hear a hissing should from the passenger side of the engine compartment and the rear will not raise. Front end seems to be OK.
Dare I hope that the hissing noise is from an air line and this is a simple fix?
Could really use your advice on how to narrow down what might be wrong.
Well first we got the message that the steering wheel was in the entry position (even though it wasn't) - do not drive. After a few starts and stops, that message disappeared. Took the car on a 2 hour drive. On the way back, the message came on that car is too low, stop driving. Stopped, car raised itself, but problem keeps coming back.
Now, the rear end is low. When we start the car, it tries to raise, but with the hood open, we can hear a hissing should from the passenger side of the engine compartment and the rear will not raise. Front end seems to be OK.
Dare I hope that the hissing noise is from an air line and this is a simple fix?
Could really use your advice on how to narrow down what might be wrong.
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From: Providence RI
2003 S 500 4 MATIC , 2001 S 430 , 2003 ML 500
There is a very problematic air line that is located on the air compressor itself
I have had to replace this line 2 times in the past year and a half
Just remove the bottom fender cover on the passenger side and you can get to it
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 213
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From: Indiana
2002 S430
Jack up the car if you work with air leaks and valve connections. Do not let the air shocks
deflate under car's weight, it will damage rubber inside.
Battery can also be a tricky problem, seemingly fine battery might be week to supply the electronic system and it triggers all kinds of funny error messages.
But first sort out the hissing air leak.
deflate under car's weight, it will damage rubber inside.
Battery can also be a tricky problem, seemingly fine battery might be week to supply the electronic system and it triggers all kinds of funny error messages.
But first sort out the hissing air leak.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6
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2000 S430
Thank you so much for replying. We managed to isolate the hissing noise to a cracked air line. Luckily, it was accessible from the engine compartment. After trying a couple kluge fixes with couplers, we ended up buying the line repair kit from a local mercedes dealer and so far (knock wood) it is holding!! I found a reference to the kit online on a UK mercedes owners site, along with instructions from a Mercedes tech instruction manual. It cost us $85, but was worth it!
S430 Luckdragon, I see you are from Hartford, we are in CT also. Do you by any chance have a trusted mechanic that you could recommend in the area?
Again, thank you both so much!
S430 Luckdragon, I see you are from Hartford, we are in CT also. Do you by any chance have a trusted mechanic that you could recommend in the area?
Again, thank you both so much!
