SLK/R170: slk230 underbody problems?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2000 slk 230, ltd. ed.
slk230 underbody problems?
Has anyone out there had experience with problems after lightly scraping the underbody of their slk?
Several months ago, I lightly scraped the underbody on train tracks. After that, I had problems with the coolant low light coming on for no reason. Only after a few trips to the MB dealer (different ones, actually) did they realize the problem was not the coolant sensor or float, but that the coolant tank was slowly leaking. They replaced it and it has been fine. At that point, I didn't think the underbody scrape was directly related, but...
A day ago as I went into a poorly-designed parking lot, I again scraped the underbody (in a different place), even though I was taking it very slow. My passenger thought I was overreacting because it was a light scrape, but a few minutes later the fuel reserve light began flashing, even though I had half a tank left. I turned off the car, adjusted the gas cap (which was already tight) and continued to drive. The light soon started flashing again and the check engine light went on, and won't go off. I haven't called the dealer yet.
It seems to me these issues are not coincidental to the fact I scraped the underbody, but on the other hand, I hate to believe the car could be so fragile that lightly hitting the underbody at a low speed causes leaking and other problems.
Anyone have ideas or similar experiences?
Thanks,
M
(2000 ltd. ed. slk230)
Several months ago, I lightly scraped the underbody on train tracks. After that, I had problems with the coolant low light coming on for no reason. Only after a few trips to the MB dealer (different ones, actually) did they realize the problem was not the coolant sensor or float, but that the coolant tank was slowly leaking. They replaced it and it has been fine. At that point, I didn't think the underbody scrape was directly related, but...
A day ago as I went into a poorly-designed parking lot, I again scraped the underbody (in a different place), even though I was taking it very slow. My passenger thought I was overreacting because it was a light scrape, but a few minutes later the fuel reserve light began flashing, even though I had half a tank left. I turned off the car, adjusted the gas cap (which was already tight) and continued to drive. The light soon started flashing again and the check engine light went on, and won't go off. I haven't called the dealer yet.
It seems to me these issues are not coincidental to the fact I scraped the underbody, but on the other hand, I hate to believe the car could be so fragile that lightly hitting the underbody at a low speed causes leaking and other problems.
Anyone have ideas or similar experiences?
Thanks,
M
(2000 ltd. ed. slk230)
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 837
Likes: 0
From: Happy Boston, MA
2002 SLK 320
Re: slk230 underbody problems?
Originally posted by meludicate
Has anyone out there had experience with problems after lightly scraping the underbody of their slk?
Several months ago, I lightly scraped the underbody on train tracks. After that, I had problems with the coolant low light coming on for no reason. Only after a few trips to the MB dealer (different ones, actually) did they realize the problem was not the coolant sensor or float, but that the coolant tank was slowly leaking. They replaced it and it has been fine. At that point, I didn't think the underbody scrape was directly related, but...
A day ago as I went into a poorly-designed parking lot, I again scraped the underbody (in a different place), even though I was taking it very slow. My passenger thought I was overreacting because it was a light scrape, but a few minutes later the fuel reserve light began flashing, even though I had half a tank left. I turned off the car, adjusted the gas cap (which was already tight) and continued to drive. The light soon started flashing again and the check engine light went on, and won't go off. I haven't called the dealer yet.
It seems to me these issues are not coincidental to the fact I scraped the underbody, but on the other hand, I hate to believe the car could be so fragile that lightly hitting the underbody at a low speed causes leaking and other problems.
Anyone have ideas or similar experiences?
Thanks,
M
(2000 ltd. ed. slk230)
Has anyone out there had experience with problems after lightly scraping the underbody of their slk?
Several months ago, I lightly scraped the underbody on train tracks. After that, I had problems with the coolant low light coming on for no reason. Only after a few trips to the MB dealer (different ones, actually) did they realize the problem was not the coolant sensor or float, but that the coolant tank was slowly leaking. They replaced it and it has been fine. At that point, I didn't think the underbody scrape was directly related, but...
A day ago as I went into a poorly-designed parking lot, I again scraped the underbody (in a different place), even though I was taking it very slow. My passenger thought I was overreacting because it was a light scrape, but a few minutes later the fuel reserve light began flashing, even though I had half a tank left. I turned off the car, adjusted the gas cap (which was already tight) and continued to drive. The light soon started flashing again and the check engine light went on, and won't go off. I haven't called the dealer yet.
It seems to me these issues are not coincidental to the fact I scraped the underbody, but on the other hand, I hate to believe the car could be so fragile that lightly hitting the underbody at a low speed causes leaking and other problems.
Anyone have ideas or similar experiences?
Thanks,
M
(2000 ltd. ed. slk230)
There's a lot of "sleeping policemen" in our neighbourhood and so I'm often scraping the underside of the car. I've never had any problems. When it was last in the shop, I asked the dealer to take a look to make sure all was OK they said all was fine.
