Campaign - Catalytic Converter Inspection/Replacement
FILE:SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION _ PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2005060014, September 2005
Revised November 2005
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
MODEL 163, MODEL YEARS 1999 - 2001
INSPECT CATALYST WELDS AND REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER IF NECESSARY
This revised Service Campaign bulletin 2005060014 supersedes previously issued Service Campaign bulletin 2005060014 released in September 2005. The revision contains new warranty information on pages 9-10 regarding claim submission for inspection when parts are unavailable and an updated customer letter. Please destroy all previous Service Campaign bulletin versions.
This Service Campaign has been initiated because DCAG has determined that on the affected vehicles (see VIN range below) the catalytic converters may develop exhaust leaks at the welds causing a louder than normal exhaust/engine noise.
Please review the Effective Serial Number chart located below and if necessary repair the subject vehicles during the vehicle's next service.
Included is a sample copy of a letter which owners of the affected vehicles will receive.
Prior to performing this Service Campaign:
^ Please check VMI to insure the vehicle is involved and to determine if the vehicle has been previously repaired.
^ Please review the entire Service Campaign bulletin.
Approximately 79,119 vehicles are affected.
Effective Serial Number Range
Note:
VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required on a specific vehicle. VMI always overrides the bulletin in reference to a specific vehicle's inclusion in a particular campaign. Please also note that Recalls and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Procedure
A. VISUALLY INSPECT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS
1. Place vehicle on lift (refer to WIS:
AR00.60-P-1000GH).
2. Visually inspect catalytic converter (1 Figure 1) for cracks and/or black exhaust residue at weld seam (arrows).
Note:
Use mirror (2) to inspect upper surfaces. If cracks (3, Figures 2, 3) and/or black exhaust residue are present at weld seam proceed to subject
C: Replace catalytic converter/front exhaust system.
Note:
^ Hairline cracks on top welds of catalytic converters may be very difficult to detect during the visual inspection. Therefore, ensure this area is well illuminated when inspecting with mirror.
^ Black exhaust residue (Figure 4) found on heat shield directly above catalytic converter welds will also indicate a cracked weld.
^ If visual inspection is inconclusive (no visual cracks or black exhaust residue found), proceed to subject B: Perform exhaust gas leak test using leak detector.
B. PERFORM EXHAUST GAS LEAK TEST USING LEAK DETECTOR
WARNING!
Exhaust system will become hot within a short time after starting engine causing injury to body parts that may come in contact with hot exhaust components. Wear protective clothing as needed (e.g., gloves, long sleeve shirts).
Note:
^ Engine must be cold when performing leak test or smaller cracks cannot be detected. Both catalytic converters must be tested before they become warm.
^ Suitable leak detecting equipment (shop equipment) must be used e.g.:
- HI TECH Instruments HI 300 TEL (Figure 5)
- Robinair 42-16600, TIF ZX-1
- Snap-On ACT755, CPS L5790B
^ Adjust leak detector (Figure 5) sensitivity to detect exhaust gas using a vehicle not involved with this campaign (this will help to prevent heating of catalytic converters on vehicle being campaigned).
^ Leak detector (Figure 5) will check for any change in ambient air quality. An exhaust gas leak will affect the quality of the ambient air around the catalytic converter.
1. Plug tail pipe (1, Figure 6) of vehicle (e.g., wet rag [2]).
2. Start engine.
3. Check for exhaust gas leaks at weld seam with leak detector (1 Figure 7) starting with the left catalytic converter first.
4. Repeat exhaust gas leak test on right catalytic converter (2) before it becomes warm.
5. Remove exhaust plug (2, Figure 6).
6. If exhaust gas leak is detected proceed to subject C: Replace catalytic converter/front exhaust system.
C. REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER/FRONT EXHAUST SYSTEM
Note:
Please refer to pages 9-10 for procedures if part(s) are backordered.
1. Remove the transmission support cross member:
^ Support transmission and transfer case with an under hoist stand.
^ Remove 6 nuts (arrows Figure 8), remove cross member (1).
2. Remove front springs WIS:
AR32.20-P-0200GH.
Notes to the above WIS instructions:
^ When removing the torsion bars it is not necessary to perform the following steps in the WIS instructions: 4, 7, 8, and 11.
^ Step 5: Spray the inside of the torsion bar sleeve with penetrating oil (helps reduce binding when sliding sleeve over torsion bar)
^ When reinstalling torsion bars, make sure to set proper spring preload (step 2) or ride height will be incorrect.
3. Disconnect oxygen sensor connectors (G3/3x1- G3/6x1 Figure 9) from wire harness connectors refer to WIS: AR14.00-P-5303GH.
4. Loosen exhaust clamps (welded to muffler).
5. Disconnect catalytic converter/front exhaust system (158, Figure 9) from rear exhaust.
6. Remove exhaust hanger bracket:
^ Remove 4 nuts (11/2, Figure 9) from exhaust hanger bracket (1 Figure 10).
^ Remove 2 bolts (arrows, Figure 10) securing front exhaust hanger bracket (1), remove exhaust hanger bracket (1).
7. Model 163.172 only: Remove both fender liners in wheel well WIS: AR88.10-P-1300GH.
8. Remove head pipe flange connection bolts (11/1, Figure 9).
Primary Parts Information
Warranty Information
NOTE REGARDING SUBMITTING CLAIMS FOR INSPECTION WHERE PART(S) IS ON BACK ORDER
We have established a new damage code to be used when submitting a claim for the inspection labor on a vehicle where the needed part is on back-order. Damage code 21330 can only be used for vehicles that show the campaign as open in VMI. Utilizing this damage code (see Repair 6 & 7 described later in this bulletin) will allow dealers to receive payment for inspections even though the part is not currently available. An additional and important benefit is that this process will change the status of the campaign without closing it. This will allow for claim submission of the repair when parts become available and will allow for easy identification of vehicles that have been inspected but still require catalyst replacement.
After claim submission, VMI will show the campaign as "Inspected" and be highlighted in orange, which is used as a visual "announcement" (see screen shot) to let you know that the vehicle has already been inspected but still require catalyst replacement.
If at the time of checking VMI, the campaign is orange and the parts are now available, then repair the vehicle and submit a claim as Repair 8 or 9 (described later in this bulletin). This will then close the campaign and remove the orange "announcement".
You cannot claim the inspection labor operations a second time as these have already been paid. When submiffing a claim under the above circumstance for vehicles beyond 48/50 warranty, please use 090930 for the authorization number. There are two new error codes that may be returned to you after claim submission.
^ 891 - Opcodes 02-4813 & 02-4814 not claimable, reimbursed over DC 21330.
^ 892 - DC 21330 not claimable, vehicle not in Campaign 2005060014 or Campaign closed.
Repair 6 (Visual check, crack visible, catalyst ordered- INSPECTION ONLY) Please use the correct damage code type for the back-ordered catalyst
NOTE REGARDING CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT
Reimbursement to customers for repairs performed prior to this service campaign:
If the customer already paid to have this service campaign condition repaired and provides adequate documentation to support their claim of a non-warranty repair of this item, they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes.
Reimbursement is limited to the amount the repair of the catalytic converter, and related parts associated to these replacements (ex. nuts, bolts) would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer under this campaign.
Submit a warranty claim, utilizing Damage Code 14931068 as a sublet, utilizing the sublet code of "SUB." Sublet repairs require dealer text as stated in the Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Repair date should be the date that the customer paid for the repair.
Note:
Please note the claim submitted for customer reimbursement will not close the campaign (if still open). If the customer is still in possession of the vehicle with an open campaign, please arrange to close the campaign in the usual manner as described in this bulletin.