Featured Problems & Solutions
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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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Interior Problem:
Ignition Key Sticking or Jamming
Steps to diagnose and repair it before it becomes a MAJOR problem. Steps to fix it after it does!
A sticking or hard to turn ignition key means trouble ahead. And it could be expensive trouble if you ignore the symptoms. We strongly urge our customers to fix the problem at the first sign your key starts to stick or jam. When your key is working, replacement of either the tumbler switch or the steering lock is bearable. But, if you wait too long, you may not be able to turn it at all.
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Brake Problem:
Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts
Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds
Recently, I set out with the goal to provide our customers with all the resources they would need to troubleshoot and repair the brake systems on their own cars. As your favorite Benz ages brake problems will arise and they can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Since brakes are a safety related system it is also VERY important that any repair work be done properly and with great care.
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Interior Problem:
Broken Down or Sagging Front Seat Bottom
D.I.Y. reinforcement kit available for 116, 123 and 126 chassis front seats
Broken down springs on 116, 123, and 126 chassis front seat bottoms are so common on older Mercedes that Kaia finally convinced me I just had to do something about it! And by something I mean more than just using pool noodles, plywood, blocks of wood, wads of bubble wrap, or heavy dense foam chunks.
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Engine Problem:
Finding the Best Diesel Performance Upgrade
Injectors do not last forever. Changing over to Monark nozzles can boost performance!
Of all the upgrades for diesel engines that we offer on this site, I believe changing over to Monark injector nozzles will give you more performance improvements for the money than any other single product.
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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
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)!
Body and Exterior Trim
Badly Oxidized and Faded Aluminum Window Trim
It can be restored but it takes a special power tool and hard work
Brake ProblemsView All
Brake
How to Diagnose Common Brake Troubles
Shake, side pull, binding, grabbing, grinding, squealing, overheating and soft / hard pedal issues.
Brake
Replacing Worn or Damaged Brake Mechanical Parts
Fixing brakes is not difficult and can save you hundreds
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
Heater Blower Motor Won't Run
A common problem on all models. Options for repairing it yourself and saving big $$$.
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
Driveline and rear end ProblemsView All
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
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
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
Preventing Catastrophic V8 Engine Failure
Plastic guide rails and oiler clips can fail leading to major engine damage
Engine
Troubleshooting Diesel Engine Hard Starting, Low Power and Exhaust Smoke
Top problems for diesel owners. Kent recommends starting with the basics
Engine
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!
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
Fuel Restriction at the Internal Fuel Tank Filter Screen
A plugged filter inside your fuel tank can lead to hard starting and power loss
Fuel Delivery
Diesel Engine Fuel Leaks
The sources of fuel leaks and procedures needed to repair them are many
Interior ProblemsView All
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!
Interior
Inside Door Related Problems
Failure to do preventative maintenance could lead to some very expensive repairs
Lights ProblemsView All
Lights
123 Chassis Center Console Panel Light Bulb Replacement
Getting to those little bulbs can be challenging.
Lights
Really Dim Pre 1985 Headlights
If your car has the old style sealed beam headlights there is a great solution!
Lights
Replacing W116 Tail Lights Seals
Watch Kent's free video tip to avoid frustration
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 and Repairing Hydraulic Self Leveling Suspension (SLS )
If you have a Mercedes station wagon and want to use it to haul loads best to fix it right
Transmission ProblemsView All
Transmission
Automatic Transmission Erratic Shifts
Proper diagnosis is priority one - then repair! DIY testing and repair kits available.
Transmission
Diagnosing, Adjusting and Fine Tuning Mercedes Automatic Transmissions
You CAN do this yourself if you have the right information and equipment!
Transmission
Does Your Automatic Transmission Really Need Replacing?
Be careful to not let someone sell you a rebuilt transmission!
Vacuum ProblemsView All
Vacuum
126 Chassis Sedan Vacuum Door Lock Failure
Different from the 116 / 123 chassis and more difficult to troubleshoot
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
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
Running your Diesel Engine on Straight Vegetable Oil
The pros, cons, effort, and expense of running your Mercedes Diesel on waste vegetable oil
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
