SLK/R171: Technical Issue - Check Engine light
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From: Harpers Ferry, WV
SLK55, Ford F350 Diesel, WV Jetta TDI
Technical Issue - Check Engine light
For the FOURTH time this month (September), the check engine light has come on in our 2005 SLK350. The computer says "Major Fuel Evaporation Loss" (or something like that). The first two times, the dealership has replaced the gas cap. Within two days (a little less than 200 miles) the light is back on. We told them that the gas cap was obviously not the problem so the last time they replaced the Carbon Canister shut-off valve. We got the car back Wednesday evening, drove a little under 200 miles and the light is back on AGAIN. The dealership is supposed to come get the car Monday for yet another GUESS on their part about what's wrong. Since this will be the fourth attempt at a repair, if the light comes back on we will be talking to them about the LEMON LAWS and a replacement for the car.
So, does anyone out here have any information about Fuel Evaporation as it relates to the SLK350 and what the problem might actually be? We have the car advertised for sale this weekend (looking at new SLK55) and now we can't even show the car to prospects due to the idiot light.
So, does anyone out here have any information about Fuel Evaporation as it relates to the SLK350 and what the problem might actually be? We have the car advertised for sale this weekend (looking at new SLK55) and now we can't even show the car to prospects due to the idiot light.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 14
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From: Houston , Texas
2005 SLK350 BLACK (HERS) 2004 C5(MINE)
I have heard that if you squeeze more gas after it shuts off the first time that can cause this problem ,not sure if that is it or not . Good luck.
Last edited by Mojo1; Oct 3, 2005 at 08:26 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by gdsmith56
For the FOURTH time this month (September), the check engine light has come on in our 2005 SLK350. The computer says "Major Fuel Evaporation Loss" (or something like that). The first two times, the dealership has replaced the gas cap. Within two days (a little less than 200 miles) the light is back on. We told them that the gas cap was obviously not the problem so the last time they replaced the Carbon Canister shut-off valve. We got the car back Wednesday evening, drove a little under 200 miles and the light is back on AGAIN. The dealership is supposed to come get the car Monday for yet another GUESS on their part about what's wrong. Since this will be the fourth attempt at a repair, if the light comes back on we will be talking to them about the LEMON LAWS and a replacement for the car.
So, does anyone out here have any information about Fuel Evaporation as it relates to the SLK350 and what the problem might actually be? We have the car advertised for sale this weekend (looking at new SLK55) and now we can't even show the car to prospects due to the idiot light.
So, does anyone out here have any information about Fuel Evaporation as it relates to the SLK350 and what the problem might actually be? We have the car advertised for sale this weekend (looking at new SLK55) and now we can't even show the car to prospects due to the idiot light.
- Pressure sensor for tank malfunction or wiring damaged
What is the reading on the fuel guage ?
Can you ask about the error code number ?
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From: Harpers Ferry, WV
SLK55, Ford F350 Diesel, WV Jetta TDI
Error Code
What is the reading on the fuel guage ?
Each time that the car has been returned to us, we have stopped at a gas station on the way home to fill the car. My normal procedure is to continue filling the car to the next full dollar after the nozzle clicks. (i.e. - if it clicks at 12.45, I take it to 13.00). So far, after less than 200 miles, and the fuel tank just over 1/2 tank, the light comes on.
Can you ask about the error code number ?
I will check the service reports that we currently have on the car to see if the code number is listed. If not, I will ask.
Each time that the car has been returned to us, we have stopped at a gas station on the way home to fill the car. My normal procedure is to continue filling the car to the next full dollar after the nozzle clicks. (i.e. - if it clicks at 12.45, I take it to 13.00). So far, after less than 200 miles, and the fuel tank just over 1/2 tank, the light comes on.
Can you ask about the error code number ?
I will check the service reports that we currently have on the car to see if the code number is listed. If not, I will ask.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 14
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From: Houston , Texas
2005 SLK350 BLACK (HERS) 2004 C5(MINE)
Originally Posted by gdsmith56
What is the reading on the fuel guage ?
Each time that the car has been returned to us, we have stopped at a gas station on the way home to fill the car. My normal procedure is to continue filling the car to the next full dollar after the nozzle clicks. (i.e. - if it clicks at 12.45, I take it to 13.00). So far, after less than 200 miles, and the fuel .
Each time that the car has been returned to us, we have stopped at a gas station on the way home to fill the car. My normal procedure is to continue filling the car to the next full dollar after the nozzle clicks. (i.e. - if it clicks at 12.45, I take it to 13.00). So far, after less than 200 miles, and the fuel .
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 310
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From: Texas
2005 SLK55 AMG
Originally Posted by gdsmith56
My normal procedure is to continue filling the car to the next full dollar after the nozzle clicks. (i.e. - if it clicks at 12.45, I take it to 13.00)
" Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out - do not top up or overfill. "
I do not know if this could contribute to your error given it happens 200 miles later.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2005
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1997 E320 1985 300TD
I have the same issue. Gross emission leak. So far i have replaced the purge canister sensor. No luck. and also new gas cap. No luck.
If i erase the code I can go a week or longer with out the code coming back. But as soon as I let the car idle for any longer then a minute, the check engine light returns and the near empty light on the gas gauge flashes.
Next is the gas tank valve.
If i erase the code I can go a week or longer with out the code coming back. But as soon as I let the car idle for any longer then a minute, the check engine light returns and the near empty light on the gas gauge flashes.
Next is the gas tank valve.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Virginia USA
SLK55///AMG The MONSTER on the block
Originally Posted by bloflin
Pg 285 of the manual (the bold emphasis is in the manual, not me):
" Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out - do not top up or overfill. "
I do not know if this could contribute to your error given it happens 200 miles later.
" Only fill your tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out - do not top up or overfill. "
I do not know if this could contribute to your error given it happens 200 miles later.
Oh no, I'm a dismal failure. I forgot to read the manual on this. Seriously, I ALWAYS fill all my vehicles to the top. My philosophy: max fuel, max mileage.
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From: Hong Kong
SLK 350
Originally Posted by gdsmith56
For the FOURTH time this month (September), the check engine light has come on in our 2005 SLK350. The computer says "Major Fuel Evaporation Loss" (or something like that). The first two times, the dealership has replaced the gas cap. Within two days (a little less than 200 miles) the light is back on. We told them that the gas cap was obviously not the problem so the last time they replaced the Carbon Canister shut-off valve. We got the car back Wednesday evening, drove a little under 200 miles and the light is back on AGAIN. The dealership is supposed to come get the car Monday for yet another GUESS on their part about what's wrong. Since this will be the fourth attempt at a repair, if the light comes back on we will be talking to them about the LEMON LAWS and a replacement for the car.
So, does anyone out here have any information about Fuel Evaporation as it relates to the SLK350 and what the problem might actually be? We have the car advertised for sale this weekend (looking at new SLK55) and now we can't even show the car to prospects due to the idiot light.
So, does anyone out here have any information about Fuel Evaporation as it relates to the SLK350 and what the problem might actually be? We have the car advertised for sale this weekend (looking at new SLK55) and now we can't even show the car to prospects due to the idiot light.
Member
Joined: May 2005
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From: Pasadena, CA
'12 C204 C250, '05 SLK350 (sold)
I have the same issue. It's not the topping off. I fill another gallon once it clicks. For the past 28k miles, I've only had about 3k miles without the check engine light on.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11
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From: Houston
2006 SLK280
I had a simliar problem the first month I had the car it appeared to be a hose that was crimped in the engine bay and then caused a slow leak. The tech said it was a little hard to tell and he had to use the soapy water method to see if the hose was leaking...replaced and all was fine FYI last week had to take the car into the dealership for a faulty steering sensor...just 800 miles on the car and I think I have been to the dealer 5 times so far for warranty work, but I still love my SLK.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Falls Church, VA
2005 SLK350
I had a simliar problem the first month I had the car it appeared to be a hose that was crimped in the engine bay and then caused a slow leak. The tech said it was a little hard to tell and he had to use the soapy water method to see if the hose was leaking...replaced and all was fine FYI last week had to take the car into the dealership for a faulty steering sensor...just 800 miles on the car and I think I have been to the dealer 5 times so far for warranty work, but I still love my SLK.
can someone explain what the "soapy water method" is? how much are the purge valve hoses?
