Posted on 1/10/2018
The advanced design of your Mercedes engine includes many sensors to monitor and detect engine operating conditions and adjust fuel delivery and timing. The camshaft position sensor determines the precise position of your camshafts and adjusts the fuel ejection and firing of the ignition system for maximum power and efficiency. If your camshaft sensor gets worn or damaged, your engine can suffer several problems that make it difficult or impossible to drive. Knowing the symptoms can help you understand what is wrong and know when it is time to contact a qualified shop to service your Mercedes and get it running properly again. What to Watch For These are some of the common symptoms to watch for to know if your camshaft position sensor is having issues: Drivability issues: Problems during acceleration or at idle can indicate that your camshaft position sensor isn't detecting the position of your camshaft correctly. You may experience hesitation, stumbl ... read more
Posted on 12/26/2017
While the braking systems Mercedes installs on its vehicles are typically powerful and reliable, some problems can creep up as the cars get older. Regular brake inspection and service can extend the life of any braking system, but when problems creep up, you need to address them right away. Complete brake failure is rare, though a loss in braking power can be a scary experience and result in an accident. At the first sign of brake fade or other braking issues, contact a qualified shop. Make sure that every drive is a safe drive by paying close attention to common brake problems and their symptoms. Our team here at Burdi Motorworks has been taking care of braking system repairs of Mercedes customers in the Chicago area since 1991 and have the experience and knowledge to help you understand your braking problems. Common Braking Problems There are some braking issues that can occur with any make and model of vehicle. Watch for these telltale signs that something is wrong ... read more
Posted on 12/26/2017
Mercedes line of Bluetec' turbocharged diesel engines can be found under the hood of many different Mercedes cars, SUVs and vans. These powerful and efficient diesels are designed with advanced controls for smooth power delivery, low emissions and reduced fuel consumption. As with any modern engine, these engines require regular service to maintain reliability and can suffer from a variety of problems as they get older. It's important to watch for symptoms of problems with your Bluetec diesel and have it serviced before major damage occurs. On top of following your regular Mercedes service schedule at a qualified shop, pay attention to the small signs that can indicate problems with your Bluetec diesel. Common Symptoms of Bluetec Diesel Issues While troubleshooting the exact cause of an engine requires experience and advanced diagnostic equipment, there are a few symptoms that can help point us to the root of certain problems. Consider symptoms such as: Hesita ... read more
Posted on 12/26/2017
The throttle actuator under the hood of your Mercedes vehicle helps control the throttle response under load. This advanced component helps keep power delivery smooth when going up and down hills or when extra demands are put on your engine — heavy loads, power draw from your AC unit, etc. If your throttle actuator is unresponsive or broken, you can suffer from a range of problems with the following symptoms: Throttle hesitation: If your throttle actuator is malfunctioning, your throttle response will not be as quick as it usually is and can result in a hesitation when attempting to accelerate. This can be related to a fault with the actuator itself or problems with sensors for air and/or fuel delivery. Engine stalling: If your engine stalls when you release the throttle, your throttle actuator may be the problem. Usually, when you let off the throttle, your engine speeds drops slowly to idle. A faulty throttle actuator can allow the engine spee ... read more
Posted on 12/22/2017
Mercedes Sprinter van owners choose their vehicles because of the impressive mix of power, reliability and fuel economy. If any of the sophisticated control systems on the vehicle are malfunctioning, you can have issues with starting, idling or driving your Sprinter. In many cases, these problems will get worse until the van won't start at all or you suffer a major failure that requires a serious overhaul to repair. Recognizing Power Loss Issues Knowing how to troubleshoot some common cause of your Sprinter van losing power allows you to contact a qualified Mercedes shop before they become major issues and have them fixed. Watch for power loss issues related to: Turbo lag: This is when there is a lag between the moment you start to accelerate and the moment the turbo kicks in to deliver full power, acceleration and pulling power. Loss of power: If there is a problem with your engine, your Sprinter can go into ‘limp home' mode &m ... read more