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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
‘96 Mercedes S420, Engine Bath
Q:
I washed the engine in my '96 Mercedes S420, using Gunk engine
degreaser and now my car is running rough. I tried driving it on the
highway, but now the check engine light is flashing. I looked under
the hood no leaks of any kind. Nothing looks out of place, what can
be the remedy? I would like to know the location of the computer box
on these cars?
A:
Bathing an engine in today's vehicles is asking for big problems if
care is not taken. Mercedes, who prides themselves in their
electronic advancements is about the last car I'd ever dream of
spraying with degreaser and hosing off. It is just plain out right
asking for trouble and you may have just got yourself some. Your
model Mercedes has a coil over ignition system. Due to the location
of the coils on the engine, it is possible to swamp them with
degreaser and water. The spark plugs set down in a tube, with a spark
plug connector (looks like a spark plug wire boot) connecting it to
the ignition coil that sets on the top. Degreaser and water will
allow the spark to jump to ground and not fire the spark plug. It is
critical that you inspect the ignition system and any other electrical
connectors or components that you may have swamped with degreaser and
water. It is essential that the degreaser and water be removed,
cleaned and the components dried. If not the degreaser will cause
damage to the components requiring replacement. The engine computer
is located on the passenger side back corner of the engine
compartment. I hope for you sake that degreaser and water didn't get
in the box that houses it. The next time you want to clean your
engine, may I suggest some wipes?
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