Yellow Warning Light - Coolant?

[krhall]

I bought my first mercedes last night on a bit of an impluse as I need something big and cheap to get me to scotland.

Just went out and it wouldnt start, gave it a jump and it fired up however it now has a yellow warning light on the dashboard, sort of radiator shaped, flashing every 5-10 seconds.

Does this simply mean I need coolant or could it be something else?

The car is an E220 7 seat estate 1995.

The missus will kill me if it is anything serious...apologies if this is in the wrong place.

Also on the console there is a button with EC on it which has a red light on and cannot be turned off?

 

[BillyBoy]

Not sure about the yellow light, but the button with EC turns the air conditioning on and off. On most Mercedes, the AC is on buy default, and the EC (economy mode) button turns it off (when illuminated).

If this is permanently on, it indicates lack of gas in the system or a fault in the control systems / sensors (see the sticky thread at the top of this forum)

HTH,
Bill

 

[Maz Jones]

Hi, if its of any help, I've just checked my handbook and the radiator symbol is for coolant level. I've got a different model to you so mine comes up on a display on the dash but must mean the same thing. Also has a rad symbol with a fan in it which means the rad fan is faulty if that shows and not coolant level. Hope this helps a bit.
Cheers Maz.

 

[krhall]

Maz it won't start now...

 

[Dec]

Coolant low warning light so it needs toping up with 50/50 anti-freese and water.

Test your key fob, do you have a spare key?
Are there Red and Green lights flashing on the mirror when you try to start the car?

Dec

 

[television]

When you say t will not start, does it crank over OK

 

[krhall]

Right it starts to crank, but it is as if it doesn't quite have the guts.

RAC came out and the ****** thing started no issues, turned it off and started it again - no issues. The bolke wasn't exactly forth coming with testing things or helping out much.

Went out this morning, put some water in for now, and it fired up and it ran beautifully. Sat in heavy traffic at just over 80 degs (is that right?) and did exactly what I asked of it. All electrics work too.

What anti-freeze do I need for it?

 

[Dec]

Right it starts to crank, but it is as if it doesn't quite have the guts.

Your car battery might be on the way out, any date stamped on the battery posts or casing to determine how old it is?

I think its ethanol glycol antifreeze, get it from an MB dealer to be sure…or others may advise… its important to use the correct antifreeze for your car.

As you don’t know how well the previous owner maintained the car, check the strength of the existing coolant… http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_530559_langId_-1_categoryId_165469


Dec

 

[jefrs]

Antifreeze went pink around 2000 but MB were ahead of the game. If you go to Halfords (or probably any other shop) they will check which one meets MB spec. IMO it wants to be mixed stronger than the stated minimum spec dilution.

 

[Naraic]

Right it starts to crank, but it is as if it doesn't quite have the guts.

RAC came out and the ****** thing started no issues, turned it off and started it again - no issues. The bolke wasn't exactly forth coming with testing things or helping out much.

Went out this morning, put some water in for now, and it fired up and it ran beautifully. Sat in heavy traffic at just over 80 degs (is that right?) and did exactly what I asked of it. All electrics work too.

What anti-freeze do I need for it?

Just over 80 is spot on. It should maintain this temp in all conditions (except a very little either way).