Problem Reports
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2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK320
Inside Grab Handles/Upholstery/Door Trim Panels May Delaminate
Inside grab handles, the upholstery on the center console cover, and door trim panels can delaminate. Most commonly replacement of the affected part is necessary.
The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover
Leaks may develop from the differential cover and/or seals on high mileage or older vehicles. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit if these leaks are addressed.
Roof won't open/close correctly
Position switches for the vario roof can fail, causing the roof to stop in the process of opening or closing.
"Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
The crankshaft position sensor may fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance.
Brake Light Switch Failure May Cause ESP/BAS Warning Lights
The ESP and BAS warning lights may illuminate due to a failed brake light switch. Replacement of the failed switch should correct this concern.
Squeaking/Worn Brake Pads May Require Rotor Replacement Also
Due to the size and material used on the brakes of these vehicles, the brakes may start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Excess Free Play in Steering and/or Alignment Issue
One or more of the following steering linkage components may wear prematurely; tie rod ends, drag link, or idler arm. Our technicians remind us the wheel alignment should be checked and adjusted if any of these items are replaced.
Oil Leaking From Oil Level Sensor
An engine oil leak may develop from the oil level sensor. Replacement of the leaking sensor will commonly correct this concern.
Engine Oil Leak From PCV Vent Housing and/or Engine Inspection Plate
An engine Oil leak may develop from the PCV vent housing on the valve cover and/or the inspection plate on the front of the engine.
ABS Modulator Failure Due to Dirty Brake Fluid
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) modulator assembly may fail due to dirty brake fluid. Our technicians recommend a complete brake system flush every two years in order to help prevent this problem.
Harmonic Balancer May Fail and Damage Timing Cover
The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way toward the timing cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the cover and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
Premature Tire Wear Due to Cracked Lower Control Arm Bushings
Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the lower control arm bushings cracking, resulting excessive movement at the control arm pivot point. Ball joints can also wear out prematurely, causing similar tire wear symptoms. I some cases it may be necessary to replace the lower control arm, including bushings & ball joint to correct this concern.
Poor AC performance Due to Evaporator Temperature Sensor Failure
The evaporator temperature sensor can fail, causing the AC compressor not to cycle. If the AC compressor does not turn on, the AC system will not blow cold air. If the compressor is stuck on, the air will be very cold at first, before warming up.
Fluid Leak From Front of Vehicle
A fluid leak from the front of the vehicle may be a result of a worn steering dampening shock. Our technicians tell us that if a leak is noted from the dampening shock it should be replaced.
High Usage Vehicles May Experience Ignition Lock and Tumbler Failures
Due to wear, high usage vehicles can experience ignition lock and tumbler failures. The ignition lock cylinder will generally require replacement to correct this concern.
Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration
A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module
The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. At that point, a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct this problem.
Replace air filter when replacing failed mass air flow sensor
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor tends to fail. The engine air filter should be replaced when the mass air flow sensor is replaced; a dirty filter can allow debris to damage the new sensor.
Spark plug wires causing misfire
Bad spark plug wires can cause misfires; the Check Engine Light may illuminate.