SLK/R170: Pinhole coolant leak, blower or evaporator prob?
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Pinhole coolant leak, blower or evaporator prob?
Thanks in advance for any advice... These issues related to my 98 SLK (30k miles).
Here are my symptoms:
1) Wet floormat on passenger side
2) aircon/heater blower does not "work" (no blowing takes place
I had previously experienced condensation on windshield when heat/defroster is turned on (when the blower was working).
I understand that the condensation is indicative of a pinhole coolant leak. I've also heard that if your coolant level gets too low, the fan could stop working (I don't understand this part)?
The wet floormat seems like it might just be water. When I squeeze drips into my porcelain sink (i.e. white) they are clear, don't particularly smell and "feel" like water. The wildcard here is we had a big storm a week ago and the passenger side window leaked water inside the car.
I am going to take this to a local shop to have them look at the car. I had the system flushed by the dealer last March.
Questions:
1) Agggh (now I feel better)
2) How can I check the coolant level? The overflow is black, I can't see any fluid in either the overflow or the main fluid entry valve over the radiator and the manual is no help at all
3) Should I try to add distilled water or a 50% water 50% antifreeze mix in case my fluid has dropped to a very low level? Not sure if Mercedes requires wierd bavarian coolant of some sort.
That should get me to a dealership which leads me to my final question:
4) Any guesses on what I might be facing here?
I am hoping to get this to the dealer asap so thanks again,
Aron
Here are my symptoms:
1) Wet floormat on passenger side
2) aircon/heater blower does not "work" (no blowing takes place
I had previously experienced condensation on windshield when heat/defroster is turned on (when the blower was working).
I understand that the condensation is indicative of a pinhole coolant leak. I've also heard that if your coolant level gets too low, the fan could stop working (I don't understand this part)?
The wet floormat seems like it might just be water. When I squeeze drips into my porcelain sink (i.e. white) they are clear, don't particularly smell and "feel" like water. The wildcard here is we had a big storm a week ago and the passenger side window leaked water inside the car.
I am going to take this to a local shop to have them look at the car. I had the system flushed by the dealer last March.
Questions:
1) Agggh (now I feel better)
2) How can I check the coolant level? The overflow is black, I can't see any fluid in either the overflow or the main fluid entry valve over the radiator and the manual is no help at all
3) Should I try to add distilled water or a 50% water 50% antifreeze mix in case my fluid has dropped to a very low level? Not sure if Mercedes requires wierd bavarian coolant of some sort.
That should get me to a dealership which leads me to my final question:
4) Any guesses on what I might be facing here?
I am hoping to get this to the dealer asap so thanks again,
Aron
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Istanbul
SLK 200 Kompressor -AMG bodykit US version- BMW 523i
I had a similar problem a couple of years ago. Wet floor and floormats ,i was really in shock.. There was nothing wrong with the windows, stripes... couldnt find any crack or holes and then i decided to go to a service guy , a friend of mine who works for benz..
He showed me the water discharge channels under the vipers (can be seen without opening the hood )
On the passenger side there is also heating systems air intake channel which is above the water discharge on the same line just below the front glass..
Plants, mud, leafs choke the water channel which seems like a litle hole
and as a result accumalted water moves inside heating sytems airtake....... Wter drops or flows from the place where the heater blows air on passengers feet (its at the back of the glove box and also you have to take out the cover down on the passenger side..
If you leave your car under the trees for a couple of week like i did , then probably you are facing the same problem.
Just get a long thin wire and try to check the hole if its filled with dirt or not...its easy.
And be quick for the checking, the heater system is full of electonic cards , now they maybe wet now..
I hope its something more simple but wet flloomats...damn..i dont practice english much in these days..i hope everything is clear..
good luck!
He showed me the water discharge channels under the vipers (can be seen without opening the hood )
On the passenger side there is also heating systems air intake channel which is above the water discharge on the same line just below the front glass..
Plants, mud, leafs choke the water channel which seems like a litle hole
and as a result accumalted water moves inside heating sytems airtake....... Wter drops or flows from the place where the heater blows air on passengers feet (its at the back of the glove box and also you have to take out the cover down on the passenger side..
If you leave your car under the trees for a couple of week like i did , then probably you are facing the same problem.
Just get a long thin wire and try to check the hole if its filled with dirt or not...its easy.
And be quick for the checking, the heater system is full of electonic cards , now they maybe wet now..
I hope its something more simple but wet flloomats...damn..i dont practice english much in these days..i hope everything is clear..
good luck!
Last edited by MERCEDESCHI; Jan 26, 2005 at 12:52 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
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Thanks!
That's one I never would have thought of. I do in fact park on the street under trees.
The car is in the shop right now, thus far they have told me that a ground wire has been corroded or cut and they are replacing that. Expected cost $180...
The car is in the shop right now, thus far they have told me that a ground wire has been corroded or cut and they are replacing that. Expected cost $180...
