Engine diagnostics warning lamp on - OK to drive?

[Deleted member 65149]

The very first problem of any kind in 32 months has just popped up on my 2012 C350. The yellow engine diagnostics warning lamp is staying on. I spotted it today when I happened to be close to my main dealer, so popped in. They can't look at it until next Monday. But we're off to Wales at the weekend to see my grandchildren - about 500 mile round trip. The Service Manager told me that if it went into "limp mode" I could call Mobilo and they'd provide a car for me to use while they took mine back to the main dealer. My worry is that it'll go into that mode half way down the M5 or somewhere equally awkward and we'll have to wait a couple of hours or more in the cold for Mobilo to get me on my way again.

I'm guessing that there's nothing I can do about it and just try not to worry. Unless anyone has any other suggestions?

 

[DSM10000]

Do you know anyone with an OBD reader?

If it is a simple fault code then you do not need Star, any local garage would be able to attempt to read the code and maybe put your mind at rest.

Pretty poor show if your dealer could not offer a quick diagnostic to a customer!

Good luck either way.

 

[whitenemesis]

Too far to see Jay at Mercland (Nuneaton) or Alex Crow (Stowmarket)?

 

[m2287]

I live in St Ives, not too far from Peterborough, I've got a generic code reader on my laptop and can scan it for you if you want (don't expect any payment or anything!!!) PM me if you want, I'll be about tonight!!

 

[Howard]

If no one can reset it , I would err on the side of caution and not do a 500 mile trip with the EML on !

Down the shops maybe , but big miles ? No.

 

[Amjenn]

"Pretty poor show if your dealer could not offer a quick diagnostic to a customer!"

I agree with this. I had a similar experience last year when I asked dealer if I could call in to have an engine warning light diagnosed. Could not fit me in for 4 days, with "Call Mobilo" if it goes to limp mode. Turned out to be a sensor that took 5 mins to fix.
I am thoroughly p---ed of with Mercedes service and although I love the car, I will not get another when replacement is due, because of terrible dealer service and astronomic costs. !

 

[bob6600]

Any other reputable garage with a Launch or Snap On etc diag?

 

[davidjpowell]

Mobilo will probably come out if the light is on, especially in the circumstances. They obviously may not send it straight to the dealer if it's something or nothing but they will get it on STAR and see what it is.

Give them a call.

ETA - Dealers deserves a slap. Modern customer care for you.

 

[Wheelsnuts]

I wouldn't risk the trip without some sort of diagnostic check. Once went into limp mode while overtaking in lane two of the M1 and it was not an experience I would care to repeat!

 

[johnlondonw3]

I had the symbol come on mine and took it to Wayne Gates in Harrow ....Terry put it on test and it came up with a fault on the left camshaft sensor,he ordered it there and then and I took in in the following day and he fitted it in 30 mins.

I know this doesn't help your current predicament but it does indicate the willingness of independents to be flexible to the needs of their customers.
Isn't there a local specialist you could take it to ?

 

[MWCLS]

Just call mobilo, they will come to you and read the codes foc ( as long as you have fmbsh ).

 

[Simon_M]

I always thought yellow was OK to drive, red was not.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I live in St Ives, not too far from Peterborough, I've got a generic code reader on my laptop and can scan it for you if you want (don't expect any payment or anything!!!) PM me if you want, I'll be about tonight!!

Thanks for the offer. I've only just had a look at the forum so didn't see this before. But see my next post.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Thanks everyone for the good advice.

I just popped out to see if the light was still on, not having used the car again since yesterday, and it was. I thought I'd (sensibly?) have a quick check under the bonnet in case there was anything obvious, but of course it's all far too complicated under there these days. I closed the bonnet, got back in the car, started it up - no warning light!

So I'll still drive to Wales tomorrow, holding the steering wheel with crossed fingers. The car's booked in for a check on Monday afternoon so I'll take it in to see what they say, whether the light comes back on or not.

BTW, the car is still under the original 3-year warranty so I'm not bothered about the cost of replacing any parts if necessary. That's also why I'm not taking it to an indy, despite one being not too far away.

 

[millbank]

knighterrant you will not be coming to wales if you take the M5, and dont forget we take credit card on the bridge,have a nice trip taff

 

[Deleted member 65149]

knighterrant you will not be coming to wales if you take the M5, and dont forget we take credit card on the bridge,have a nice trip taff

After A14, M6 and M42 (it has to be done), we'll head down the M5 for about 20 miles, then M50 for another 20 miles, then A40 to Raglan followed by some other good A road with a number I can't remember off the top of my head down to the M4, then head West past all the speed cameras to Bridgend before heading up into the Valleys (Pontycymer). Avoids the bridge, and the M50/A40 is a pleasant drive

Diolch

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Eight miles after setting off for Wales on Saturday morning, the EDL came on again. No problems whatsoever on the nearly 500 mile round trip though.

This morning I washed the car and afterwards when I started it up again the light had gone out! I took the car into my local dealer as arranged and waited two hours (!!) for them to find out what was wrong. A faulty knock sensor apparently. So I've booked it in again for Friday to get that replaced.

This fault MAY be why I only recorded 36mpg overall at the weekend. Not bad for a 306bhp V6 petrol engine I know, but not what I'd grown to expect.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Well it turned out not to be a faulty knock sensor. They now think it's a faulty temperature sensor - which of course they don't have in stock!

So I'm waiting for them to sort out a loan car for me. Then I'll go back there for the fourth time to collect the loan car. Who'd have thought a simple yellow light could cause so much inconvenience!

 

[mbenz1]

Well it turned out not to be a faulty knock sensor. They now think it's a faulty temperature sensor - which of course they don't have in stock!

So I'm waiting for them to sort out a loan car for me. Then I'll go back there for the fourth time to collect the loan car. Who'd have thought a simple yellow light could cause so much inconvenience!

I hope you are glad that the yellow light was only due to a faulty sensor

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I hope you are glad that the yellow light was only due to a faulty sensor

It's being no less inconvenient than a blown engine, and no less expensive - thankfully the car is still under warranty.