The problem
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with diesel engines, the crankshaft sensor could fail due to separation of bond wires from the lead frame in the sensor. This results in an interruption in the electrical connection in the chip housing of the sensor.
The risk
When this happens, the vehicle may lose power rather than enter a limp-home mode. In addition, the vehicle cannot be restarted after failure of the electrical connection in the sensor, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor. The recall began on february 4, 2008. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1-800-367-6372.
Contacts
Mercedes recall no. 2008010005. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 08V006000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.