Common problems

View:Most ReportedNewestRepairPal Verified Instrument Cluster Displays May Lose Pixels The instrument cluster display may lose pixels and need replacement. However, if the back lighting bulbs for the odometer display in the center of the cluster burn out, they can be replaced. Me Too(38) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cables in Convertible Top May Break Cables in the convertible top tend to break. If the convertible top stops operating prior to reaching the desired open or closed position, the micro switches that sense the position of the top may have failed. Me Too(19) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 CD Changer May Suffer From Internal Mechanical Problem The CD changer may suffer from an internal mechanical problem. Replacement of the faulty unit is generally required to correct this issue. Me Too(17) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Rattle From Beneath Vehicle When the engine is running, but the vehicle is not moving, a rattle heard from beneath the vehicle could indicate that one of the exhaust catalytic converters has failed. The substrate (the internal part of the catalyst that reduces emissions) can loosen and bounce around inside the canister section of the converter—the defective unit will need to be replaced. If this problem is ignored, the substrate can break down and reduce to a size that plugs the outlet pipe, which will cause a sudden loss in power. Me Too(16) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 "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. Me Too(14) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Poor AC Performance Due to Refrigerant Loss Poor AC performance may be caused by a refrigerant leak from the hose that connects the receiver drier to the AC condenser. Me Too(12) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cracked Driveshaft Flex Discs May Cause Driveshaft Movement/Vibration A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by cracked and/or shredded driveshaft flex discs, resulting in excessive driveshaft movement. If not repaired, damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, transmission, or differential can occur. Me Too(9) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Transmission May Leak Fluid and Damage Control Module The electrical connector at the automatic transmission may leak fluid. Over time leaking fluid could migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. If that happens a new harness and control module may be necessary to correct the problem. Me Too(8) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(8) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Dashboard May Crack in Hot Climates One or more cracks may develop on the dashboard materiel. This problem is more severe in hot climates. Me Too(7) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(7) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(7) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(7) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(6) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(6) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 View:Most ReportedNewestRepairPal Verified 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. Me Too(6) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Brake Pads & Rotors May Wear After 20,000 Miles As a way to increase braking performance, the brake pads and rotors are make of a softer material and may be in need of replacement after approximately 20,000 miles; owners should be vigilant about getting their brakes checked. Me Too(6) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(5) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(5) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 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. Me Too(5) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Fluid Leak From One or More Power Steering Components A power steering fluid leak may develop from the power steering pump or the steering gearbox. Additionally the steering shock (damper) could leak its own internal fluid. Leaking components should be replaced to restore proper power steering operation. Me Too(5) Verified for the Mercedes-Benz CLK430 «12» Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump to Remain Powered in a Collision Electrical & Lights,August 1, 2008 RepairPal Expert Overview: There is a faulty software calibration that affects several areas including shutting off the fuel supply in a collision. This could cause a fire hazard during an accident. Dealers will reprogram this software. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 070001. This recall began during August, 2008.