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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Maintenance and Repair

886 messages,  Last post on Apr 04, 2011 at 3:02 PM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 17 of 89

#159 of 886 1998 C230 Numbers on Digital Heater display disappear by heathersk

Feb 17, 2005 (2:15 pm)

I just purchased a 1998 Mercedes C230 and I love it. However, today I noticed that the display, which shows the heating temp., is not always working properly. For instance, you know how it is when a calculator is about to die, and only half the numbers show up? Well, that is what it looks like..... When I adjust the heat up and down, it barely shows what the temp is, then after a few min., it is clear and I'm able to read the numbers again. Any ideas? Is this an expensive electrical problem? The heat works great, but the number display looks funky at time!
 
Thank you!

#160 of 886 Re: 1998 C230 Numbers on Digital Heater display disappear [heathersk] by jpouchet

Feb 17, 2005 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: heathersk (Feb 17, 2005 2:15 pm)
If the LCD unit sits in direct sunlight too long it goes over-temp and will be eratic. Once it cools down it should be fine.
 
Do not push hard on the display as this can break the internal crystal connections and then you are SOL.
 
Cost, probably 400+ if you dealer is like any other MB outfit. They wont try to repair by only replacing the LCD, they will swap out the entire assembly.
 
You may find an independent mechanic that has access to used parts who can do a real repair, fix the LCD only, for under $100.

#161 of 886 Re: 1998 C230 Numbers on Digital Heater display disappear [jpouchet] by heathersk

Feb 17, 2005 (3:22 pm)

Replying to: jpouchet (Feb 17, 2005 2:30 pm)
Thank you, I will keep an eye on it and see what happens. I hope it's not necessary to repair. I appreciate your repsonse!

#162 of 886 Test Result: Fuel Trim (Bank 1) Error by tlan

Feb 19, 2005 (8:12 am)

My dash indicator light, "check engine" is on and when tested comes up with the Fuel Trim Bank 1 error. My mechanic replaced the oxygen sensor last summer and this light went off but it's back. And, it won't pass the Illinois emissions test until it is fixed. Does anyone know what is a Fuel Trim Bank 1 error and what is the cause? My mechanic is a German Master Mechanic and he said it was nothing to worry about but that was when I lived in Virginia. Now, I need to get it fixed. Any ideas?

#163 of 886 Re: 1998 C230 Numbers on Digital Heater display disappear [heathersk] by heathersk

Feb 23, 2005 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: heathersk (Feb 17, 2005 3:22 pm)
Well, it's been about 8 days now, and the LCD is still freaking out, even during the night when the sun isn't beating on the display. It seems, that when I tap the unit (not the screen itself), or around it, it goes back to the normal display. Could something be loose??? Has anyone experienced this before? I hear it's about 1k to replace! AAAAAHHHHH!

#164 of 886 Re: 1998 C230 Numbers on Digital Heater display disappear [heathersk] by jpouchet

Feb 24, 2005 (4:31 pm)

Replying to: heathersk (Feb 23, 2005 12:40 pm)
Bummer! Speak nicely to you MB service advisor and see if they'll cut you a beak as the swap out shouldn't be a big deal.
 
While you are at it, check out your blower motor. They tend to wear out early, 50-70k miles, and start to make an audible background sound in the lower speed settings. You can really hear it if the radio is off and the blower is around 2 or 3 setting then shut the car off. If you hear a whining sound as it spins down it is time to yank it out as well.
 
The two items are in the same area so you may get a deal.
 
Good luck.

#165 of 886 2005 C240 Vibrations - Help by lipp

Feb 25, 2005 (6:25 am)

Bought a 2005 C240 4matic in December. At 3,000 miles car developed a vibration at 50 mph. Dealer checked brakes, front end, tires. Re-balanced all tires and problem persisted. Dealer then checked the balance of the drive shaft and replaced drive shaft. Yes, replaced drive shaft. Problem disappeared for a month then came back at 40 mph. Problem persists when car is cold. Dealer replaced Michelin tires with Michelin tires - same OEM tire. Problem remains. Replaced flex connection. Problem still exists. Dealer now replacing tires again with Continental. Will pick up today. Wish me luck. Anyone have similar problems or do you know of a solution. Dealer is cooperative but guessing. Is the problem with the tires or is the Lemon Law in my future??? Car has been in shop for 20 days since December 1, 2004.

#166 of 886 lipp by postoak

Feb 25, 2005 (7:21 am)

I would recommend you go over to the C240 Sedan board (which was around before this board was created) and do a search on "vibrations". I remember much discussion of flat-spotting with Michelin tires and the sensitivity of the C to that flatspotting. The symptoms were a vibration around 40MPH until about 20 minutes into the drive. I suspect the Continentals may fix the problem.

#167 of 886 Nope by jrct9454

Feb 25, 2005 (4:24 pm)

Michelins are generally more RESISTANT to flat-spotting than the Contis.
 
Because it's a 4-matic, I suspect something in the driveline. Since they've already done the driveshaft and the flexdisc [yes, those are rational suspects with known past problems], my next suspect would be one of the front half-shafts or front u-joints.
 
Let us know what happens with the latest tire swap. Balancing is rarely the problem, but one or more tires that are out of round WILL cause this symptom. One way to be absolutely sure that the tires are not the culprits is to have the balancing done on a road-force machine. Any reading over 10 lbs is highly suspect - a good tire/wheel combination [OEM MB alloy wheel] should be in the area of 5-7 lbs of road force. [A road force balancer interprets how much variation there is on the contact patch of the tire as it rotates - a bigger variance indicates a lack of roundness].

#168 of 886 Re: 2005 C240 Vibrations - Help [lipp] by 3screwsloose

Feb 26, 2005 (10:08 pm)

Replying to: lipp (Feb 25, 2005 6:25 am)
Shim the rear axle front mount. I can't remember the exact number, but it is 1mm to 4mm approx. Adding/removing shims to this mounting point usually cures it. I have found it to be most noticeable when driving about 30,31,32 mph. The whole car just shakes, most noticeable in the floorboard or in the seat of your pants.

Messages Page 17 of 89

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