Mercedes Benz C220 check engine light comes on

Filed Feb 11, 2015 · Electrical, Fuel system · WA

My 1996 mercedes c220 has a defective engine wiring harness. The check engine light came on and I took it to my mechanic. He told me that this was due to the type of insulation that mercedes used for the wiring and the engine harness needs to be replaced asap. Mercedes used a bio-degradable wire cover that with high temps cracks and falls off. This has caused the engine to run rough, stall and loose power and is not safe to drive in traffic. This should have been taken care of with a recall by mercedes. Mercedes has been of no help except for me to pay to have it repaired.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Electrical · 161,280 miles · IN

My vehicle has the faulty wiring harness prevalent in all these cars during the mid to late nineties. It has exhibited many of the signs mentioned by numerous other owners over the years such as: engine light on constantly, surging of the throttle, dash instruments that won't work, stumbling and stalling in traffic, etc. The only thing I haven't had yet is a fire. I was completely unaware of this problem when I purchased the car back in feb. This is my first mercedes and will be my last.....next car will be a honda. Why mercedes is allowed to ignore this is beyond me. I thought the reason we have government regulation is to force car makers to clean up messes like this. There are still a number of these cars on the road and this problem will eventually get someone killed if it hasn't already. Mercedes should be made to recall and replace this wiring with good remanufactured parts for free if you still own one of these cars.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · CT

Vehicle stalled in intersection. Continues to do so, though it will restart. Cel on. Mechanic changed maf and wiring for maf, advised rest of underhood wiring insulation bad, exposing bare wires.

Filed Dec 9, 2011 · Electrical · CA

Wiring harness damaged causing decreased performance, check engine light, and lower fuel economy.

Filed Jun 20, 2010 · Electrical · 35,000 miles · VA · crash

I purchased my c220 in 1995 from a dealer in north carolina. Within three years the lcd became nonfunctional(radio and tapes became dead). In fourth year the check engine light came on, I took it to dealership, they fixed and charged huge amount but after a month or so it came on again. I was told at the dealership to change wire harness but they were not able to give a guarantee that the check engine light will not come on so I didn't get that service. Till today I am driving my car with check engine light on and nothing have happened. I think this problem should be fixed by mb without any charge to its customers. It seems like this car is not worth for the money. My driver seat can not be fully adjusted using its mechanical system. The upholstery also coming down from the roof and there are so many other bodily faults in my c220.

Filed Jul 5, 2008 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · VA

It all started when I was warming up the car before work and I went back inside my house when I returned the car had shut off. Later at a stop light the cars engine shut off again. I'm at fear when ever I stop that the car may cut off. The check engine light is on and when reset it came back on. I was informed that the engine harness is deteriorating inside. The mechanical technician showed it to me. The cost to repair the engine harness, I was quoted and estimate of $1700.00 maybe I was told.

Filed Oct 17, 2007 · Electrical · 110,000 miles · HI

My c220's wiring harness is disintegrating daily. Check engine light, fuel gauge, water temp., etc. All intermittent. The car misses, and sometimes lunges from a sudden high rev. The problem is getting worst as the insulation flakes off, causing shorts.

Filed May 9, 2007 · Electrical · FL

The 1996 mercedes c220 had a defective engine wiring harness. The check engine light came on and I serviced the car. The mechanic mentioned that mercedes used a recycled wiring cover that with the high temperature cracked and even melted. I was told by the service technician that he changed a few, and there was no charge. My car was not included, and I was requested to pay for everything. This was unexplainable. I had to pay twice for the diagnostic ($120) and for the labor ($700.). The engine wiring harness costs $1400.00. I am negotiating with customer service if they could cover the costs because it was an issue of poor workmanship or quality. I have never herd of engine wires cracking and melting on a car!! The service person was very nice and mentioned that this was not the first time and some even resulted in fires. I do believe that this should be recalled in all cars that mercedes benz cars that have been equipped with this type of recycled wire covering. It is a danger to all that drive this cars and others that it may effect if an accident results. To ignore this issue after it has been brought to the attention of customer service is to hold them liable in all accidents, deaths and injury that involve these vehicles.

Filed Jan 19, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · GA

The engine light came on and the engine surges up and down. Vehicle is difficult to drive.

Filed Aug 7, 2006 · Electrical · 8,200 miles · PA

Complete failure of engine wiring harness due to premature deterioration of wire insulation. Garaged car would start and run normally for short (ten minute) trips but would not start up to return home. Stranded numerous times. Check engine light trips periodically. Stalling and surging common. Independent specialist mechanic discovered crumbling and cracked wire insulation on wiring harness. Car will no longer start at all. I have spent much time and money trying to fix what appears now to be a known defect. I am the original owner of this car and I am very upset that such a serious defect has not been satisfactorily addressed by the manufacturer.