dashboard light meaning?

[brickwall]

Steering column unlocked? Bugger me, I've never seen that before.

[Conrad D. Conelrad]

I still think it's the steering gear oil level warning I posted on the last page. I got the image from a 2000 MY manual, so it's quite possible a 98 model has the sensor too. 

[brickwall]

Must be the float/sensor then if the level is fine.

[Junkman]

If you can't just ingnore one little light, never EVAH buy anything made in Italy.

Besides, it's the power steering fluid level light.

[bub2006]

Thanks for posting it and for verification. Can't find the bloody sensor though! Fluid is full though so not too bothered! Trying to find a maf sensor for less than a ton and getting star codes read for less than 80 is my main problem! Slight miss on acceleration and pulling off sluggish and very heavy on juice. Oh the joys! Good thing is we have found a car we like.

[Junkman]

I know this is probably the daftest question ever asked on this forum, but does that thing have some sort of maintenance history?

 

They are extremely allergic to unmaintained ignition hardware, so changing the spark plugs for the unthinkable (i.e. new ones) and actually checking and correcting the electrode gaps before you put them in, and replacing all four plug leads with the unthinkable (i.e. new ones) and actually filling the end boots with Bosch grease before you put them in (as it is outlined in the service manual) has cured the symptoms you describe many times.

 

And on a different note, you should toss that newfangled shit and buy a W123.

[bub2006]

I have just changed plugs,filters and oil. And it has got some history. Not changed coils or leads but may be an idea.

[bub2006]

Thing is I am thinking maf as it makes no difference to engine note or the misfire if I disconnect it

[Junkman]

Did replacing the plugs make no difference at all?

[fiatdaft]

Its the steering wheel angle sensor,behind the steering wheel,but a faulty brake light switch can also cause that light to come on.

[bub2006]

Little bit better starting junkman but thats it. Mpg still apalling and still got the miss. Steering wheel angle sensor? New one on me. Thanks fiat.

[Junkman]

Probably changing that MAF sensor is not a bad idea then.

 

There are people more qualified for this kind of stuff on this forum, but it could still be an OBD1, so the fault code reader costs just 15 quid or so. Not sure whether those still let you blink out the fault code with a paper clip.

[bub2006]

I've got a obd 2 fault reader but mercs have the 32 pin plug under bonnet. To have it read involves Mercedes star diagnosis at about 80 quid. Don't think its got an engine management light

[Junkman]

You need an older car.

[bub2006]

I no. I ideally want big,economical,reliable. Wife on the other hand refused to have a Peugeot 405 diesel

[Junkman]

Mine begs me to buy her one and announced purchase of a newfangled people carrier will result in a set of smashed kneecaps.

[bub2006]

Joys of married life! To be honest we both like the merc. Big,comfortable,smooth when it finally pulls off. Just need to sort its issues and it'll be grand

[Junkman]

Just need to sort its issues and it'll be grand

Nana. Just to sort its issues will be a grand, that's how it works with newfangled shit.

[bub2006]

Parts are surprisingly cheap mate. Yes I suppose it is new. 15 years old. 151k on clock. Must still be in her prime!