Repair 7

Catalytic converters use various types of metals to scrub pollutants from a vehicles exhaust before it leaves the tail pipe. Generally, catalytic converters will last the life of a Mercedes 560SL, but some factors, such as using unleaded gasoline or too many fuel additives, can contribute to the premature failure of the catalytic converter.

Loss of Power

A stopped up catalytic converter will cause a sudden loss of power in a Mercedes 560SL. Sometimes catalytic converters break down slowly over time, causing a gradual loss in power, which may not be noticeable to some drivers. If your Mercedes will not accelerate, even if you stomp on the accelerator pedal, have a mechanic take a look at the catalytic converter to see if it is stopped up. If this is the case, the catalytic converter will need to be replaced.

Drop in Fuel Economy

Measure the gas mileage your car is getting, especially since a sudden drop in fuel economy can indicate mechanical problems. A stopped up catalytic converter will cause a significant drop in fuel economy, more than two or three miles per gallon difference.

Engine Problems

A clogged catalytic converter will also cause operating problems with your Mercedes engine. Besides the loss in power, a stopped up catalytic converter can inhibit how quickly a vehicle travels, making it top out at a low speed like an electronic speed governor. The clogged catalytic converter will cause increased back pressure in the exhaust system, which will choke the engine as exhaust gases cannot leave as quickly as they should. If your car runs for a few minutes then stalls out, if you can hear a whistling sound or your cars engine seems to be struggling during acceleration, take a look at the catalytic converter as the potential cause.

Smell

If your 560SLs tailpipe is spewing out a smell similar to rotting eggs, there is a high chance that the catalytic converter is partially clogged. The broken down elements of the catalytic converter emit this rancid smell, which is very noticeable.

Mercedes cars are known for their high quality and impressive styling. However, as with any automobile, a mercedes will from time to time require maintenance and repairs. While bringing your Mercedes to the garage can be costly, there are some repairs that you can do right at home. If you notice a fog light is malfunctioning, try fixing it yourself. A broken fog light only has two possible causes, a loose wire or a burned out bulb, making the repair one even a novice can do.

Instructions

1

Park your Mercedes on a stretch of flat level ground and engage the parking brake. Turn the engine off and let it cool for about 20 minutes.

2

Crawl under the front end of the automobile and go the the area directly behind the malfunctioning fog light. Remove the dust cover to gain access to the fog light assembly. Use a Flathead screwdriver to pry off the rubber cover and lay it aside.

3

Check the wiring harness. If the Mercedes has been in a minor fender bender there is a possibility that the wires could have come lose. The plug should snap into the fog light assembly tightly. If it has come lose snap it back in and then test the fog lights. If it still doesnt work, completely unplug the harness to access the bulb.

4

Give the bulb a quarter turn to the left to remove it. Insert the replacement bulb. Reassemble the fog light by reversing the above steps.

Mercedes-Benz ML350 vehicles have been subject to various recalls for problems with power steering, accelerator pedals and trailer hitch manufacturing defects. Registered vehicle owners should have received notification of these recalls by mail with instruction on where to bring the cars for free repair.

Power Steering

In 2003, Mercedes-Benz recalled 211,000 M-class vehicles for a hose clamp defect that could result in loss of power steering fluid and ultimately damage the power steering pump. A subsequent recall was conducted in 2008 because, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), repairs performed on vehicles recalled in 2003 were not sufficient to prevent future power steering problems.

Accelerator Pedal

In December 2006, Mercedes recalled certain M-class vehicles for manufacturing defects in the gas pedals that could make it difficult for drivers to operate the accelerator. In January 2007, authorized dealers began inspecting and repairing the mounting nuts of the accelerator pedals on affected vehicles.

Trailer Hitches

In 2008, Mercedes recalled certain 2006-2008 model year GL and ML vehicles equipped with Flex-N-Gate trailer hitches for not meeting performance specifications. Per the NHTSA, the trailer hitch receiver may separate from the attachment bar and create a road hazard or crash.

Removing a seat from your 1983 Mercedes 300D may be necessary if the seat is torn or otherwise damaged. Recovering or replacing the seat with a new one can bring the interior back to a like-new condition. A new seat for a 1983 is not going to be easy to find, but aftermarket option do exists and used seats are available from some salvage yards. For cosmetic fixes, the seats can be covered or reupholstered if a replacement cannot be found.

Instructions

1

Open the door of the car all the way to allow access to the seat. Slide the seat all the way to the front position. Locate the mounting brackets and adjuster slides under the seat.

2

Locate the two rear retaining bolts that run through the mounting brackets and into the floor. Remove both bolts with a socket and ratchet, setting the bolts aside in a safe place.

3

Slide the seat all the way to the rear position on the seat track. Locate the retaining bolts on the front of the seat, where the brackets meet the floor. Remove the two front bolts from the floor and brackets with a socket and ratchet, setting them aside for reuse later.

4

Lift the front of the seat, tilting it back so you can access the underside. Locate the electrical connector on the underside of the seat and depress the locking tab to release it. Separate the wiring harness on the seat from the harness on the car.

5

Lift the seat and remove it from the car through the door opening. Set it aside in a dry spot to avoid any damage while it is out of the car.

The Mercedes 300E is a four-door sedan. If you are having problems starting your Mercedes 300E, there are a few components that you can look at before you take it over to your local auto repair shop. The most common issues lie in the battery and the fuel levels of your Mercedes. If the battery is dead or low on charge, the car will not start. The car will also not start if you dont have any gas in it.

Instructions

1

Open the hood your 300E and look for the battery. This is on the passenger side of the 300Es engine.

2

Look over the connection terminals for any corrosion.

3

Remove the battery terminals with a socket wrench.

4

Use a wire brush and soda to remove the corrosion from the battery terminals. Scrub the terminals with the wire brush until the corrosion comes off.

5

Jump start the 300E with jumper cables and another car.

6

Leave the 300E running for about 5 minutes and then turn it off.

7

Try to restart the car. If the car does not restart, replace the battery.

8

Make sure you have enough fuel in the car to start it. Add 1 gallon of fuel and try to restart the car in the event that your gas gauge is not working properly.