O2 sensor error
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 733
Likes: 64
From: USA
09E350, 07E63, 13CLS63
O2 sensor error
Hello. I got P013E error: "the rich/lean switchover of oxygen sensor 2 (cylinder bank 1) is delayed." The car 2013 cls63has 40K miles, stock. I'm trying to replace this downstream sensor. I can reach the sensor end connect to the catalytic converter but not the other end, the electric plug in. Tiny space, not even with small hand can reach the plug. Do I need to remove anything to reach it? Is there a procedure to do this? Has anyone done this before? I can't seem to find a video for this car.
Can something else cause this error beside the bad O2 sensor? I had all the camshaft position sensors and solenoids replaced at 30k. Just check them recently, they all look nice and clean. Thanks.
Can something else cause this error beside the bad O2 sensor? I had all the camshaft position sensors and solenoids replaced at 30k. Just check them recently, they all look nice and clean. Thanks.
Last edited by dustinN; Feb 24, 2024 at 10:33 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 954
Likes: 245
E550 Coupe 2wd (2016)
I'd imagine you need to remove whatever is in the way. This is why I haven't replaced my primary sensors yet. Same deal, I can access the sensor but not the plugs unless I pull the exhaust. Looking at them I'm certain they placed them deep to force more people to visit the dealer, then pay more on top of that because the mech has to pull the exhaust. Bass-turds... All so some VP at MB can get a fat bonus for manipulating the car to net more profit. So do what I do; say F'em and do it yourself even if it's a pita.
Option two, which I have done and may do to mine; cut the wires and solder in the new sensors. You could use old school butt-slices but then they're on a timer to an unknown fail date.
They make some fancy solder butt-splices that are pretty neat, you just have to flux the wires first, which nobody tells you about. And the wires need to be clean, no corroded bs going on, but they should be fine since they "should" be sealed at each end leaving the copper nice n shiny.
The colored rings are seal points so water can't in and mess with it. You're supposed to use a heat gun but I'm not buying one just for that, so I just use a lighter.
Option two, which I have done and may do to mine; cut the wires and solder in the new sensors. You could use old school butt-slices but then they're on a timer to an unknown fail date.
They make some fancy solder butt-splices that are pretty neat, you just have to flux the wires first, which nobody tells you about. And the wires need to be clean, no corroded bs going on, but they should be fine since they "should" be sealed at each end leaving the copper nice n shiny.
The colored rings are seal points so water can't in and mess with it. You're supposed to use a heat gun but I'm not buying one just for that, so I just use a lighter.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 954
Likes: 245
E550 Coupe 2wd (2016)
Excellent idea. I've seen some videos on that and it seems the rather expensive stuff was the one that worked best by far. BK44 I think?
Worth a shot I spoze, and I'm curious to see if/how well it works. Too bad the cover doesn't pop off of them. I've wondered how long they'd last if I were to cut the cover off to clean it. Or perhaps the cover is just there to prevent people from cleaning them so they can sell more.
Maybe I'll try it on the downstream if/when they fail. They also make spacers for those, to keep the sensor out of the air flow to extend life. Maybe with the cover removed and a spacer it would last as good or more than normal.
Have you ever removed an O2 sensor before? Sometimes they seem welded on, so I'd soak with penetrant oil the day prior, and maybe consider buying an O2 wrench. It's like a heavy duty box-end but with a slit for the wires. They make various shapes too, for tight spots.
Worth a shot I spoze, and I'm curious to see if/how well it works. Too bad the cover doesn't pop off of them. I've wondered how long they'd last if I were to cut the cover off to clean it. Or perhaps the cover is just there to prevent people from cleaning them so they can sell more.
Maybe I'll try it on the downstream if/when they fail. They also make spacers for those, to keep the sensor out of the air flow to extend life. Maybe with the cover removed and a spacer it would last as good or more than normal.
Have you ever removed an O2 sensor before? Sometimes they seem welded on, so I'd soak with penetrant oil the day prior, and maybe consider buying an O2 wrench. It's like a heavy duty box-end but with a slit for the wires. They make various shapes too, for tight spots.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 733
Likes: 64
From: USA
09E350, 07E63, 13CLS63
Finally I was able to get that connectors out. Take your time and position your hand until you can reach it. When I worked on the passenger side, lie down across the car, my feet facing the drivers side. First i slide the wire off the lower track and then the connector off the upper bracket. Have the new part on your hand to figure out where and how it connected. On the driver side, I had to remove the bracket that hold the catalytic converter to gain access. Anything is possible, just be patient. Good luck.
Last edited by dustinN; Mar 2, 2024 at 07:46 PM.
