E300D basic questions

[tooheavy]

Hi, can someone please advise, there is a hose which exits the power steering pump to the right and slightly downwards as viewed from the front. What is this and what does it do ? Also what is the large red handle near the battery ? Thanks.

 

[compress ignite]

Under the Bonnet

Only Two hoses exiting the Power steering pump.
Pressure (Will have swagged-on metallic pressure fittings)
AND
Return (Will most likely only have a Screw Type hose clamp over the end.)

Red Colored Handles (Plastic,Locking) are beloved by Mercedes for Transmission dip sticks.

 

[kth286]

sounds as if the car may be a 4 wheel drive model.

there is a large handle on those to disconnect the front wheel drive facility in event of failure of system due to electronic/hydraulic components.

 

[tooheavy]

Thanks both, the car is definitely not four wheel drive, and the transmission dipstick is towards the rear left of the engine, same as on my previous two petrol models. This is a fairly large obvious bright red plastic handle just in front of the battery, not shown in the haynes manual. Looks as if it should be turned rather than withdrawn. The hose must be the return then, I ask because it is broken near the hose clip, no sign of leakage and steering works fine, which seems odd but maybe the fluid is low.....I'll remake the connection and check the fluid.

 

[tooheavy]

Muppetry!

Hi, I have looked a bit more closely and gradually it dawned on me that the handle must be an immobiliser !
Seems to interrupt the negative lead from the battery.