NOTE: 96 & later are OBD2 systems and require a scanner. For an OBD2 code list, please see our Mercedes-Benz code list or the appropriate generic list.
Mercedes: Accessing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
With Impulse Counter
- With ignition switch On and shift lever in P/N position, connect impulse counter.
- Depress Start button for at least two seconds but no more than four seconds, read codes.
- Read codes until first code displayed appears again.
- Codes will appear in ascending order.
With On-Off Ratio Readout
- On models equipped with on board diagnostics, depress non-locking switch to convert control unit to read on-off readout ratio codes.
- On all models, install on-off readout ratio tester to diagnostic socket.
- Allow engine to idle and oil temperature to reach 140-176°F (60-80°C).
- Read and record on-off readout ratio codes.
With Scan Tool
- A hand-held tester can be connected to the underhood data link connector (DLC) X11/4 located at module box, or a generic scan tool can be connected to the generic connector X11/22 located in the tower edge of the instrument panel.
- To access diagnostic trouble codes, follow the tool manufacturer’s instructions.
Mercedes: Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
With Impulse Counter
- Complete required repairs resulting from recorded codes.
- With impulse code displayed, wait two seconds then depress Start button for at least six seconds.
- Each code must be erased individually.
- If no number is displayed, then diagnostic trouble codes are erased from memory.
- If code higher than one appears, codes are still stored in memory.
With Scan Tool
To clear DTC’s, follow the scan tool manufacturer’s instructions.
Mercedes: Common OBD1 Diagnostic Trouble Codes
| 90-93 190E & 300 series (2.3L) | |
|---|---|
| 1 | No system malfunction. |
| 2 | Throttle valve switch. |
| 3 | Coolant temp sensor. |
| 4 | Airflow sensor position indicator. |
| 5 | Oxygen sensor. |
| 6 | Not used. |
| 7 | Td signal. |
| 8 | Altitude correction capsule. |
| 9 | Electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA). |
| 10 | Throttle valve switch and/or Idle speed contact. |
| 11 | Not used. |
| 12 | EGR temp sensor. |
| 91 & later 300 series (2.8L and 3.2L) | |
|---|---|
| 1 | No faults. |
| 2 | Oxygen sensor inoperative. |
| 3 | Lambda control inoperative. |
| 4 | Air injection inoperative. |
| 5 | EGR inoperative. |
| 6 | Idle speed control inoperative. |
| 7 | Ignition system failure. |
| 8 | Coolant temp sensor-open or short circuit. |
| 9 | Intake air temp sensor-open or short circuit. |
| 10 | Voltage at Air Mass sensor too high or low. |
| 11 | TN (RPM) signal defective. |
| 12 | Oxygen sensor heater open or short circuit. |
| 13 | Cam position sensor signal from-EZL/AKR ign. control unit defective. |
| 14 | Intake manifold pressure at start too low. |
| 15 | Full throttle Info defective. |
| 16 | Idle speed info defective. |
| 17 | CAN Data exchange-Malfunction between control units. |
| 18 | Adjustable camshaft timing solenoid-open or short circuit. |
| 19 | Fuel injectors-open or short circuit or Emission control system adaptation at limit. |
| 20 | Speed signal missing. |
| 21 | Purge switchover valve-open or shorted. |
| 22 | cam position sensor signal defective. |
| 23 | Intake manifold pressure w/ engine running too low. |
| 24 | Starter ring gear segments defective. |
| 25 | Knock sensors. |
| 26 | Upshift delay switch over valve-open or shorted. |
| 27 | Coolant temp sensor deviation between sensor ciruits 1 & 2. |
| 28 | Coolant temp Sensor. |
| 91-93 190E and 300 series (2.6L and 3.0L) | |
|---|---|
| 1 | No faults in system. |
| 2 | Throttle valve switch(full throttle contact). |
| 3 | Coolant temp sensor. |
| 4 | Airflow sensor potentiometer. |
| 5 | Oxygen sensor. |
| 7 | TNA (RPM) signal. |
| 8 | Altitude pressure signal from EZL Ignition control unit. |
| 9 | Current to Electro-hydraulic actuator. |
| 10 | Throttle valve switch(idle contact). |
| 11 | Air injection system. |
| 12 | Absolute pressure valves from ELZ ignition control unit. |
| 13 | Intake air temp signal. |
| 14 | Road speed signal at CIS-E control unit. |
| 16 | EGR. |
| 17 | Oxygen sensor signal. |
| 18 | Current to idle speed air valve. |
| 22 | Oxygen sensor heating current. |
| 23 | Short to positive in regeneration switch over valve circuit. |
| 25 | Short to positive in start valve circuit. |
| 26 | Short to positive in shift point retard circuit. |
| 27 | Data exchange fault between CIS-E control unit and EZL ignition control unit. |
| 28 | Loose contact in coolant temp sensorcircuit. |
| 29 | Difference in coolant temps between CIS-Eunit and EZL unit. |
| 31 | Loose contact in intake air temp sensor circuit. |
| 34 | Faulty coolant temp sensor signal from EZL unit. |
Mercedes: Diagnostic Trouble Codes by Model / Year
| Model | Year | Engine identification | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| C220/280 (202) | 1994-00 | 6 cylinder | Bosch/Siemens |
| C230K/240/280 (202) | 1993-00 | 4/6 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ ME-SFI 2.1 |
| C·Ciass (202) | 2000 | 4 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.1 |
| C-Ciass (203) | 2000-05 | 4 cylinder | Siemens ME SIM4 |
| C-Ciass (203) | 2006-08 | 6 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/9.7 |
| C-Ciass (204) | 2008 | 6 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/9.7 |
| CL (215) | 2000-04 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.0/2.8 |
| CL (215) | 2005-06 | 12 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/9.7 |
| CL (216) | 2007-08 | 8/12 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/9.7 |
| CL500/600 (140) | 1993-99 | 8/12 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ ME-SFI 2.1 |
| CLK (208) | 2000-03 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.0/2.8 |
| CLK (209) | 2004 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.8 |
| CLK (209) | 2006-08 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME /2.7.1/2.8.1/9.7 |
| CLK320 (208) | 1998-02 | 6 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ ME-SFI 2.1 |
| CLS (219) | 2005-08 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.8/9.7 |
| E280/320 (124) | 1993-02/95 | 6 cylinder | Bosch/Siemens |
| E320 (210) | 1997-02 | 6 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ ME-SFI 2.1 |
| E-Ciass (210) | 2000-03 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.0/2.8 |
| E-Ciass (211) | 2002-04 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.8 |
| E-Ciass (211) | 2003-08 | 6 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/9.7 |
| G-Ciass (463) | 2002-08 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 9.7 |
| GL450 (164) | 2007-08 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 9.7 |
| M-Ciass (163) | 2000-04 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.0/2.8 |
| M-Ciass (164) | 2005-08 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/2.8/2.8.1/9.7 |
| R-Ciass (251) | 2006-08 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7.1/2.8.1/9.7 |
| S320 (140) | 1994-99 | 6 cylinder | Bosch/Siemens |
| S320/420/500/600 | 1993-99 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ ME-SFI 2.1 |
| S-Ciass (220) | 2000-04 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.0/2.8 |
| S-Ciass (220) | 2005-06 | 8/12 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/2.8/2.8.1/9.7 |
| S-Ciass (221) | 2007-08 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7.1/2.8.1/9.7 |
| SL (129) | 2000-02 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.0/2.8 |
| SL (230) | 2002-04 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.8 |
| SL (230) | 2005-08 | 6/8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7.1/2.8.1/9.7 |
| SL320 (129) | 1993-97 | 6 cylinder | Bosch/Siemens |
| SL500/600 (129) | 1995-02 | 8/12 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ |
| SLK (170) | 2000-04 | 4/6 cylinder | Siemens ME SIM4/ Bosch ME 2.8 |
| SLK (171) | 2005-08 | 8 cylinder | Bosch ME 2.7/2.7.1/2.8/2.8.1/9.7 |
| SLK 230 (170) | 1999-02 | 4 cylinder | Bosch ME 1.0/2.0/ ME-SFI 2.1 |
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