Featured Problems & Solutions
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Body and Exterior Trim Problem:
Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim
It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work
This is one problem that has plagued anyone who owns and loves old Mercedes Benz. Short of replacing the trim, the solution has been evasive for some and near impossible for others. Over the years I have tried every metal polish and rubbing compound I could get my hands on (I estimate over 30 different products) to try to remove the oxidation and bring back some shine in the trim.
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Transmission Problem:
Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions
You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!
High Mileage and age can raise havoc on the shifting patterns of an automatic transmission. Even if the fluid has been changed on a regular basis, they still wear out. Seals harden and leak both internally and externally. Vaccum and cable shift controls leak and fail. Rubber hose connections crack and work loose. And quite often some mechanic gets in there and messes things up.
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Engine Problem:
Increasing Turbocharger Performance on Diesel Engines
Don't just ignore your turbo charger or major problems can occur!
You can not believe what I have been seeing lately. 9 out of 10, 617 Turbos I have been diligently tearing down and inspecting recently do not passmuster! In fact the findings have been shocking. I think this is largely due to the age of most of these engines coupled with the lack of preventative maintenance.
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Engine Problem:
Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke
Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics
What is wrong with my diesel engine? This technical question wins the grand prize! It is by far the most often asked question that we have received from our customers over the years. It can not be easily answered without some troubleshooting on your part.
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Engine Problem:
Diesel Won't Shut Off When the Key is Turned Off
Could be any number of things causing the problem. Proper diagnosis is a must!
On older Mercedes diesel engines models: 1975 to 1976 115 chassis300D, all 123, 126, 201 and 124 chassis diesels from 1977 to 1993 the engine shutoff is controlled by vacuum (not electrical). An engine driven pump supplies vacuum to the system and a vacuum operated shutoff valve shuts fuel off inside the injection pump.
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If you have a problem with yourolder Mercedes and are trying to figure what is causing it or how to fix it, you have come to the right place.
Let Kent explain how his solutions finder works: "Just select the location of the problem you are experiencing, the chassis designation of your car and a few key words and click Search. If I have written a description of the problem or one related to it, it will show up on the results page. The causes of the problem will be explained and all possible solutions we offer to diagnose and fix it will be listed. Read More
You can learn a lot about your Mercedes by just browsing through all the problem descriptions I have written related to your model. My new solutions finder replaces our old benz aid forum and tech help page. Even if you have never work on your car before it is never too late to start. With the right knowledge, tools and parts you can do it.
If you can not find your problem listed for your chassis then it has not yet been written. I am working on and adding new problem descriptions weekly. I will be adding more content on the W140, W202, W210, and W220 chassis later this year.If you have a problem that has not been addressed, send it to me as a COMMENT through our contact page describing your particular problem. I will not be able to answer these requests directly, but I will add it to my list of problems to work on....the list is not getting smaller. :-)
There is nothing quite like the feeling you get when you can find and fix a mechanical problem yourself,
Kent Bergsma
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Solutions Finder:
Body and Exterior Trim ProblemsView All
Body and Exterior Trim
Fixing the Tilting Sunroof
A true challenge - but you can do it with the right knowledge.
Body and Exterior Trim
Tilting Power Sunroof Panel Removal and Replacement
The panel must be removed to properly repair and/or lubricate the tilting arm mechanism.
Body and Exterior Trim
Malfunctioning Non-Tilting Sunroof
Nothing like a good smooth working power or manually operated non tilting sunroof (up to 1985)!
Brake ProblemsView All
Brake
Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts
Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds
Brake
How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles
Shake, side pull, binding, grabbing, grinding, squealing, overheating and soft / hard pedal issues.
Brake
Flushing Old Fluid and/or Excessive Air Out of Your Brake System
Efficient and affordable pressure bleeding, system flush and fluid capture is here for all.
Climate Control ProblemsView All
Climate Control
Intermittent Cabin Heat - Second Generation Climate Control
Applies to late 123 and 107 chassis and all 126 chassis 1981 to 1991
Climate Control
Intermittent or No Cabin Heat - First Generation Climate Control
No heat or heat all the time are common problems with 1977 to 1980 models with automatic controls
Climate Control
Heater Blower Motor Won't Run
A common problem on all models. Options for repairing it yourself and saving big $$$.
Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All
Driveline and rear end
Drive Line Flex Disk Deterioration and Catastrophic Failure
Start with inspection and replace at first signs of wear to prevent expensive damage to transmission
Driveline and rear end
Avoiding 201 and 124 Chassis Flex Disk Trouble
Watch for signs of impending failure
Driveline and rear end
Diagnosing and Repairing Common 114 115 107 116 123 and 126 Rear End Problems
The Differentials are very rugged. It is the associated parts that usually fail due to age and high mileage
Electrical ProblemsView All
Electrical
Diesel Engine Glow Plug Timer Relay Failure - Options for Repair
Here is an option to replace the pre-glow factory unit with a reliable manual controlled relay
Electrical
O.E. Aluminum Fuse Failure
One of the most common problems we see on older Mercedes.
Electrical
Troubleshooting an Electrical Problem
Unknown battery drain, electrical shorts, blown fuses - these can be difficult to isolate!
Engine ProblemsView All
Engine
1984 to 1995 601 602 603 Diesel Performance Enhancement
Quick list of things you can consider to increase performance and mileage
Engine
Increasing Turbocharger Performance on Diesel Engines
Don't just ignore your turbo charger or major problems can occur!
Engine
Preventing Catastrophic V8 Engine Failure
Plastic guide rails and oiler clips can fail leading to major engine damage
Fuel Delivery ProblemsView All
Fuel Delivery
Testing Diesel Fuel Injectors for Peak Performance
You will need a bench mount pressure release tester to do this yourself.
Fuel Delivery
Diesel Engine Fuel Filters
Major cause of sudden loss of power
Fuel Delivery
Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen
A plugged filter inside your fuel tank can lead to hard starting and power loss
Interior ProblemsView All
Interior
Ignition Tumbler / Key Wear
There are ways to reduce it - and we have ways to fix it!
Interior
Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom
D.I.Y. reinforcement kit available for 116, 123 and 126 chassis front seats
Interior
Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming
Steps to diagnose and repair it before it becomes a MAJOR problem. Steps to fix it after it does!
Lights ProblemsView All
Lights
Testing LED Dash Lights for Older Mercedes Instrument Clusters
Lights
Wow, I Can Clearly See My 240D Instruments Even at Dusk - Warm White Soothing LIght!
Lights
Dim 123 Instrument Lights
Here are some tips to help you brighten those instrument cluster lights
Rust / Corrosion ProblemsView All
Rust / Corrosion
Miracle Rust Repair for Your Old Mercedes
Yes there is! Miracle Paint and fiberglass cloth can work miracles.
Rust / Corrosion
Rocker Panel and Floor Permanent Rust Repair without Welding
You can do it yourself without the hassle and bad side affects of welding!
Rust / Corrosion
Welding in New Sheet Metal When Repairing Rust Out
Not always the best solution as you will see here.
Suspension ProblemsView All
Suspension
Determining Parts Needed to Fix Loose 123 Chassis Front Suspension
Parts breakdown will help you find what you need fast
Suspension
Determining Parts Needed for Loose 126 Front Suspension
Know what to look for and understand the parts you will need
Suspension
Diagnosing Loose Front End Steering
Inspect the tie rod ends first for wear
Transmission ProblemsView All
Transmission
Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions
You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!
Transmission
Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts
Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.
Transmission
Transmission Oil Leaks
Some leaks are not difficult to fix. Others require removal of the transmission
Vacuum ProblemsView All
Vacuum
Determining Correct 1980 to 1985 Diesel Vacuum System Hose and Line Routing
When troubleshooting your vacuum system you must know where the hoses and lines go
Vacuum
126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure
Different from the 116 / 123 chassis and more difficult to troubleshoot
Vacuum
123 Chassis Vacuum Door Lock Failure
A very common problem that requires precise troubleshooting
SVO / Biodiesel ProblemsView All
SVO / Biodiesel
Installing a Mercedessource Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Conversion
We offer an easy to install kit or you can build one from our components
SVO / Biodiesel
Converting an Older Mercedes Diesel to Run on Vegetable Oil (SVO) Using the Mercedessource STC Kit?
Questions and answers to help you decide if this is right for your diesel
SVO / Biodiesel
Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil
The pros, cons, effort, and expense of running your Mercedes Diesel on waste vegetable oil
