There are a number of parts that can have problems emerge under the hood of your car, and with cars as powerful as Mercedes, this can be a worrisome experience. Rest assured that most problems that occur can be solved with a quick trip to an auto shop. Always trust a professional to fix your vehicle as some issues can be finicky and most require technical expertise.

With that in mind, any problems that emerge with the thermostat of your vehicle can be serious and should be looked at right away. This part is not what controls the air conditioning in your car, as some believe, and serves a more crucial role in keeping your car secured and reliable as a safe vehicle.

What does the thermostat do?

Rather than powering the air conditioning, a car thermostat actually keeps the engine cool. At any given time while driving, there are countless miniature explosions occurring under the hood that can drastically heat up your engine. When this occurs, your engine needs something to cool it down so that it does not overheat, which could damage more parts.

Your Mercedes thermostat is responsible for regulating this temperature. Most modern cars need to sit between 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what the thermostat aims to keep the engine around. If the engine seems to be fluctuating, the thermostat will kick in to help the process of cooling it down.

In short, the thermostat acts as a valve that either blocks or allows coolant into the engine. If the temperature under the hood is getting too hot, the thermostat will open the valve and allow coolant to rush through the engine. This coolant absorbs the heat from the engine and transfers it to the radiator, where that same coolant is then cooled off by an influx of air from the grill of the car.

Should the thermostat not have needed to send coolant through and the engine was too cold, it can run through the system again to absorb more heat. Therefore, the thermostat of your Mercedes is crucial to your engine performance and the car’s overall functions.

If you notice any signs that the thermostat is having problems, it’s best to get your car looked at right away so that the issue can be solved. Do not try to drive far amounts with a faulty thermostat as an overheating engine can be dangerous to both your car and any passengers, not to mention yourself.

Signs of a Failing Thermostat

As mentioned, given that the thermostat’s primary purpose is to cool down your vehicle’s engine, most signs of a failing thermostat will involve heat. First and foremost, most modern cars have temperature gauges on the dash that let you see if your engine’s heat is where it should be. If you start seeing the erratic movement of this dial, consider the fact that the thermostat may have failed.

• Engine Overheating: Naturally, if you see any steam or smoke rising from the hood of your car, something is too hot. In most instances, the coolant either wasn’t doing its job or wasn’t getting to the engine when needed. If the latter is the case, the cause could be the thermostat not sending the coolant through.
• Coolant Leaks: If there is a buildup of coolant from not being allowed through, the thermostat may be the culprit. Alternatively, if coolant has to sit where it shouldn’t be for too long, leaks may occur. Check if there is any green substance underneath your car and take action if so.
• Erratic Readings: As discussed, the temperature gauge on your dash will tell you if the engine is getting too hot. If you see any erratic readings or if the gauge is fluctuating a lot, consider going to the shop immediately.

Glenwood Foreign Car For Your Mercedes Needs

At Glenwood Foreign Car, we understand the importance of keeping your Mercedes at its peak performance level. We have experience working with clients around Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA, and can give you unrivaled service.

Your satisfaction is our guarantee and we make it our mission to fix your vehicle’s problems successfully and in a timely manner. Please feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment today. Alternatively, you’re welcome to come to visit us yourself and see why we are the best name in the business. We look forward to earning your trust and patronage.

The post Top Reasons Behind Thermostat Failure in Mercedes From Certified Mechanics in Yardley appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.

Mercedes-Benz are highly recognizable vehicles worldwide. Their impeccable engine design, sleek style, and classy purr are trademark signs of quality and class. This only makes the inevitable engine damage or wear and tear all the more frustrating when it’s time to address the issue.

The best way to protect against damage and serious repairs is to take proper care of your vehicle: by driving responsibly, topping off your fluids regularly, and bringing your vehicle to your mechanic for suggested maintenance.

However, all the preparation and prevention in the world can’t guarantee that your vehicle won’t eventually require repairs and replacements. One of the more common and simple repairs (or replacements) that you may have to make during the life of your Mercedes is the mass airflow sensor.

The Importance of the Mass Airflow Sensor

The job of the mass airflow sensor is to measure various aspects of the air inflow to the engine, such as amount and temperature. It uses these measurements to calculate the proper air-to-fuel ratio for your engine to properly combust. Your Mercedes’ computer then uses these calculations to adjust the amount of gas that your system’s fuel injector puts out.

All of this comes together to optimize the performance of your Mercedes and keep your fuel economy as low as possible. Therefore, if your mass airflow sensor starts to fail, you may notice issues with your vehicle’s performance.

Symptoms of a Failing Mass Airflow Sensor

Due to the role that your mass airflow sensor plays in the ignition and combustion process, if it starts to fail, you will likely notice one or more of these symptoms listed below. Your Mercedes specialist will be able to perform a thorough inspection and diagnosis to narrow down the issue accurately.

Diminished Fuel Economy

One of the first and most obvious signs of a failed mass airflow sensor is reduced fuel economy. When your sensor fails, your car’s computer tries to overcompensate by injecting more fuel into the chambers. This leads to both reduced fuel economy and worse performance overall. If you notice that your Mercedes is suddenly guzzling gas, it’s important to bring your vehicle to a certified Mercedes specialist as soon as possible.

Rough Idling

Rough idling can be indicative of several issues with varying degrees of severity. If you notice that your vehicle is idling intensely or making rattling sounds while sitting still in traffic, your mass airflow sensor could be on the fritz.

Reduced Power

If you notice that you are losing power while driving, or if your Mercedes is not responding when you press the accelerator, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor may be responsible.

Starting Problems

If your mass airflow sensor is unable to detect the proper air-to-fuel ratio, you may experience difficulty starting your vehicle, if it starts at all.

Stalled Engine

A stalled engine is not just a sign of a failing mass airflow sensor. It’s a dangerous issue that should be checked out by a mechanic immediately. If your Mercedes stalls after you start it or suddenly quits in the middle of traffic, it’s time to take your vehicle to a garage for a comprehensive diagnostic review.

How Glenwood Foreign Car Can Help

There are few things that high-end car owners hate more than dealing with the run-around from a dealership about their mechanical problems. If you suspect your Mercedes is experiencing failure of its mass airflow sensor, the unparalleled, professional mechanical service at Glenwood Foreign Car is the place for you.

Glenwood Foreign Car provides a full range of professional maintenance and repairs on a range of vehicles, from SUVs to cars to mid-sized sedans. We specialize in foreign vehicles of all makes and models, and our services range from oil changes and inspections to windshield replacements and engine repair. Better yet, all of our services come with a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty so you know that you’re protected on the road.

Our mechanics at Glenwood Foreign Car have been serving the Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA area since 1977. With full Bosch certifications and almost 45 years of experience, you can be sure that your Mercedes in the right hands.

The post Best Garage in Yardley to Repair Your Mercedes’ Mass Airflow Sensor appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.

Mercedes are high-quality, reliable cars but they can develop problems. The differential is one component in your Mercedes that experiences premature wear. It is known to malfunction and fail before its scheduled maintenance.

The Function of a Differential

The differential transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It allows the wheels to rotate at the same speed as well as different speeds, such as when turning your car. When you make a turn, your wheels rotate at different speeds, as one side of the car has to cover more ground than the other. The differential makes curves and corners easier to navigate. It is also an important component for providing stability and consistency.

Lifetime Differential Fluid

Mercedes states that they have lifetime differential fluid, but this statement is misleading. Lifetime only means that you can go longer without changing the fluid. The lifetime of the fluid actually depends on how the car is driven. Over time, all components see wear. It doesn’t help that the differential doesn’t have a filter to keep out debris.

What Causes Failure

The differential in a Mercedes is known to wear prematurely. The wearing of the gears creates metal shavings. These metal shavings add additional friction, causing even more wear. Leaks are also common and cause fluid loss. Fluid must be kept at the proper level to provide the correct amount of lubrication.

Common Symptoms of Differential Failure

If you begin to experience any issues with your differential, see your mechanic as soon as you can. Differential failure can be catastrophic and lead to high repair bills, but taking care of the issues early can save you time and money.

Common symptoms of a damaged differential:

Whining

The most common symptom of a failing differential is a whining noise. This noise is due to a lack of lubrication.

Extreme Vibrations

When the universal joints wear out, you can experience vibrations. The vibration often intensifies during acceleration. Vibrations can get worse if there is a differential fluid leak.

Humming or Gear Grinding

These noises often get louder when you are accelerating. They are coming from the worn-out gears.

Burning Smell

Leaking differential oil can lead to a burning smell. A gearbox can also overheat and produce this smell when it isn’t properly lubricated.

Oil Leak

If an oil leak is located near the axles, it could be differential fluid. When your Mercedes doesn’t have proper lubrication, the differential will wear out. Leaks need to be fixed right away. Continuing to drive your car with a differential leak can lead to axle, wheel, and transmission damage.

Worn Tires

It the differential is experiencing issues, your car is going to have a harder time accelerating, slowing down, and making turns. This will put more stress on your tires leading to uneven wear. Other issues can also cause uneven tire wear.

Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is illuminated, it means that your car detected a problem. Your light can be triggered many different issues. If your engine light comes on, bring your car in right away so that we can run a diagnostic check.

Preventing Failure

Drive Sensibly

Burnouts can damage your differential. The sudden jolt as your wheels grabs the pavement can cause premature failure.

Check the Fluid Level

Even though your Mercedes has what they call lifetime fluid, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to have it checked and changed. Fluid can leak out and debris can get in.

Preventative Maintenance

Many vehicle failures can be prevented by regular service and maintenance. Oil changes and regular maintenance are often overlooked by drivers. But they are important for making your vehicle last. Having issues taken care of now will save you money in the future.

We Are Here for You

Glenwood Foreign Car is the best independent European Auto Service Center in Morrisville. Our auto service technicians are highly-skilled and can quickly diagnose and fix your problem. We have the latest technology and diagnostic systems at our fingertips. If you are experiencing issues with your differential, call us today to schedule your service appointment. We are conveniently located near Makefield Township, Yardley, Newton and Morrisville PA. You can find our Glenwood Foreign Car service center at 333Woolston Drive, Yardley, PA. Or call us on 215-515-8870.

The post The Most Efficient Technicians in Morrisville to Repair Your Mercedes’ Differential Failure appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.

Mercedes has been at the forefront of German luxury car manufacturing for decades. It is not surprising to learn that the Mercedes Benz brand has developed their own unique innovations to consistently improve the performance, handling, and design of their vehicles. Innovations such as the AirMatic suspension system revolutionized the way we think about suspensions, not to mention the way driving feels.

However, some innovations are not as overtly present as the AirMatic system and instead perform their integral roles quietly, without the driver ever noticing. One such example of this is the plastic guide rail. In this article, we will learn more about this crucial part, discuss the causes of failure, look at some signs of problems, and point you in the right direction for repairs.

What is the plastic guide rail?

The plastic guide rail is not solely unique to Mercedes. A handful of other manufacturers have since adapted their own interpretations of the component. However, this part was originally developed by Mercedes as an alternative to the previous metal iterations of the part. The guide rail is made of a strong plastic and works almost as a splint for the engine’s timing chain, ensuring that it circulates properly and remains in line, stopping it from slipping or becoming loose.

What can cause the plastic guide rail to break?

While plastic is a more effective material to use for guide rails than metal, it does have some weaknesses. High temperatures can cause the guide rail to become weak and likely to break, meaning that issues with your vehicle overheating can directly impact the health of your guide rail and should be investigated accordingly.

High speeds are also known to cause your guide rail to deteriorate faster than predicted. Excess speeds increase the heat of your engine and will expose your guide rail to potential damage. Heat can even cause it to melt if the high temperature occurs for an extended period of time.

Minor impacts or jolts that involve the front of the vehicle can also cause failure, as it can put sudden undue pressure and strain on the guide rail. Meaning, if it has been weakened previously by a collision or jarring motion, sudden breakage can occur.

What happens to my Mercedes when my guide rail breaks?

A broken guide rail can vary from a minor problem to a catastrophic incident. If your guide rail snaps or fractures in one place, then it’s likely that the damage caused will be minimal and that the rail will simply need replacing.

Alternatively, if your guide rail has been weakened over time and a sudden impact or strain occurs, then it can shatter, potentially spreading numerous shards of plastic throughout your engine system. This can possibly cause extensive damage to multiple components inside your engine.

Potentially worse still, if your engine gets very hot, the guide rail can melt entirely and fuse with other parts and systems, creating a difficult and costly repair or even rebuild.

Fixing My Guide Rail at Glenwood Foreign Car

Whether or not you can repair your guide rail yourself really depends on multiple factors. First, it depends on the type of break. If it is simply a crack or a clean break with no other damage, then it may be possible to replace the rail yourself. However, if it has shattered, then you need to go through your engine systems with a fine-toothed comb looking for all the pieces, which is really best left to the professionals.

If you’re handy when it comes to fixing up cars for a hobby and the break isn’t severe, then it is possible you can replace the guide rail yourself. However, if the most DIY mechanics you’ve done is replace a flat tire or a headlight bulb, then it really is best to seek professional help.

Either way, you should remember that your guide rail is an integral part to the healthy running of your Mercedes and is located close to the engine. Therefore, if you are in any doubt at all as to your ability to repair guide rail failure, then it’s really not worth running the risk. It is best to bring your Mercedes into a trusted repair shop.

Luckily, Glenwood Foreign Car is on hand to help, servicing Mercedes drivers living in or around Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA. Our technicians will investigate your guide rail failures and repair any and all parts necessary to get you safely back on the road.

The post Tips to Fix Plastic Guide Rail Failure in a Mercedes Benz appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.

The name Mercedes alone invokes elegance and prestige, and, as they offer the smoothest driving experience around, it’s not hard to see why. This amazing driving experience is largely due to Mercedes’ innovative AirMatic suspension system. This was designed with comfort and efficiency in mind.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the system, learning about signs and symptoms of system failure as well as how best to seek repairs and maintenance.

What is the AirMatic System?

On the market for little over a decade, the AirMatic system is an innovation formulated by Mercedes initially for their C-class series of cars. The AirMatic system is an suspension which is comprised of pressurized air. It is designed to seamlessly adapt to changing road services without the driver even noticing. This creates an unbelievably smooth drive without the bouncing and bumpiness of standard suspension systems.

The Common Types of AirMatic System Failure

As the AirMatic system of your Mercedes represents a complex piece of machinery, there are several different ways in which system failure can occur. Luckily, as Mercedes is built with quality and longevity in mind, you shouldn’t feel the need to worry about any of these actually happening, but being aware of what to look out for is always useful.

1. Problems With The AirMatic Relay

This problem represents a straight forward fix for any mechanic to undertake. AirMatic relay failure occurs when the relay circuit, which is a switch that opens and closes circuits within the compressor, becomes worn out. This is usually due to time and wear.

2. Compressor

The compressor is one of the key parts of your Mercedes’ AirMatic system and is what pumps air into the suspension bags. This is what gives the vehicle its smooth suspension. As this part works very hard when you drive, it can simply wearing out naturally. Aside from total failure, the compressor can also become blocked or its wiring can become faulty. When seeking repairs, make sure your mechanic rules out these more minor issues before seeking an entire compressor unit replacement.

3. Blocked AirMatic Valve

If the valve of the AirMatic system becomes blocked, there is the possibility that air begins to leak back into the compressor. This can put undue strain on the part, causing internal damage. This will then change the effectiveness of the suspension, and it may struggle to gain the correct elevation for optimum drivability.

4. Suspension Squeaking

If you’ve ever had an old car before, usually your first vehicle, you’ll know just how irritating repetitive sounds can be. Continuous jangling and rolling of parts can completely ruin the tranquility of a journey, and a similar annoyance can occur within the AirMatic system. If you start to notice an irksome squeaking sound when driving your Mercedes, then it is likely your suspension shocks are either failed or damaged.

5. AirMatic Malfunction

This failure is pretty easy to diagnose and is characteristic by one side of the car maintaining optimal suspension while the other half is sagging. When this happens, the air suspension strut is to blame. This can often be caused by poor repairs or bad installation. So if you’ve had work done on your system recently, it may be worth returning to your garage for a conversation about repair work.

6. Air Leak

This is probably one of the most common forms of failure, and if minor, it can typically be repaired fairly easily. The most usual place that air leaks occur are around the connection points and valves of the system, which can be caused by rough driving, poor maintenance, or simply wear and tear.

Maintenance and Repairs

Of course, the best way to deal with AirMatic failure is to prevent it happening in the first place. Regular scheduled maintenance and good driving habits will keep your suspension system fighting fit for as long as possible.

However, should damage or failure occur, or if you feel your suspension is overdue for a check up, then head to Glenwood Foreign Car. If you live in Pennsylvania in the Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, or Morrisville areas, then you are just a stone’s throw away from great auto repair and maintenance.

Specialists in imported cars, the knowledgeable team at Glenwood Foreign Car has decades of industry experience, and with a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty on all labor, you are guaranteed to drive away happy.

* Red Mercedes Car image credit goes to: aapsky.

The post How to Deal with AirMatic System Failure in Your Mercedes appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.

The crankshaft position sensor in your Mercedes-Benz is also known as the engine speed sensor. This sensor is part of your vehicle’s fuel injection and ignition system. Its job is to measure the engine’s RPM as well as the engine’s crankshaft position. If this part fails, your car will not start, leaving you stranded.

Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure Warning Signs

It is common for a crankshaft position sensor to have issues in a Mercedes-Benz. There are sometimes warning signs that you may see before complete failure occurs. If you come across any of the following issues, give us a call and we can perform an inspection and replace your sensor if needed.

Intermittent Starting

It might become difficult to start your car. Sometimes you may have to try several times to get your car to start, while at other times it might start right away. This will happen more often when the engine is still hot.

Stalls or Misfires While Running

If your car dies while you are driving down the road, this can be a sign that your crankshaft position sensor is going bad. This can be dangerous and lead to an accident in some situations. Your car may also backfire and idle roughly. Have your vehicle checked out immediately if you notice these symptoms.

Poor Acceleration

When you give your vehicle gas, it shouldn’t hesitate to move. If it does, and your car is accelerating slowly or has difficulty maintaining its speed, this can be very dangerous. When you don’t have proper acceleration, you may not be able to move out of the way of other vehicles quick enough. If you come to an emergency situation where you need to accelerate quickly to get out of the way of danger, you will not be able to do so. If the sensor is failing, it isn’t sending accurate information to the computer. This improper information will not allow the engine’s pistons to accurately synchronize, slowing down your vehicle’s response time.

Bad Fuel Efficiency

Your crankshaft position sensor might be the issue if you are experiencing poor fuel efficiency. If your car seems to be running alright otherwise, and you have had all of your scheduled maintenance performed, your sensor may be the offender.

Check Engine Light is On

You know that you have some sort of problem if your check engine light is illuminated. If you are experiencing any of the above issues along with the light you could have a bad sensor. Let your mechanic know about any of the issues that you have been having. They will be able to run a diagnostic tool to find your problem.

Routine Maintenance

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are timeless and are at the forefront of luxury and quality. They have the reputation of being innovative and on the cutting edge of technology. Even though they are at the top of their game, they do have some issues just like any other vehicle. Let us help you keep your car in tip-top shape.

Allowing our highly trained mechanics to maintain your car, you can rest assured that your car will be in peak condition. Here at Glenwood Foreign Car, we will provide you with dealership quality Mercedes-Benz services. We will take care of all of your needs without any hassles.

Other Common Mercedes-Benz issues we have encountered:

• Balance shaft failures
• Gas tank leaks
• Power steering leaks/damages
• Faulty air hoses

We also perform:

• Brake repairs and maintenance
• Check engine light diagnosis
• Engine repair and maintenance
• Fuel system repairs
• Tire rotation and wheel alignments

About Us

We have been in operation since 1977, and we have earned the reputation as the area’s preferred service center for foreign car repair. Our highly trained technicians can quickly diagnose your issues and find a solution to your problem.

We have partnered with Bosch Service as an independent service center. Bosch is the world’s largest equipment manufacturer. This allows us to provide you with high-quality parts to service your vehicle.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you are in the areas of Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newton, or Morrisville, PA and are tired of dealing with overpriced dealership services give us a call. Contact us today to schedule your service appointment. You can reach our Glenwood Foreign Car office at 215-736-8888.

* Mercedes-Benz C-Class image credit goes to: teddyleung.

The post Things to Know About the Crankshaft Position Sensor in Your Mercedes appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.

As with every luxury vehicle, protecting your Mercedes requires regular proper care and attention. This includes following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your Mercedes. Routine maintenance can keep your Mercedes in tip-top condition, despite its advancing years.

One area addressed in a routine maintenance appointment is your Mercedes’s transmission. Mercedes, especially older ones, are commonly known to develop transmission leaks if not cared for properly.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is a critical part of your transmission’s proper functioning. Not only does the fluid provide lubrication for moving parts, it also assists in cooling the transmission. Automatic transmission fluid is a reddish-brown viscous (thick, sticky) fluid. It usually has a bit of a sweet odor. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid isn’t burned off or absorbed in the process of driving. Instead, it continues to circulate within the closed transmission system unless a problem occurs.

Common Signs of Leaking Transmission Fluid

The most common sign that your Mercedes is leaking transmission fluid is an oily puddle underneath your car. If the liquid in the puddle on the drive or in the garage is a reddish-brown color, it’s most likely transmission fluid. Although the transmission fluid circulates in a closed system, leaks do occur, which can quickly drain the fluid and lead to serious transmission damage to your Mercedes. If the liquid has a burnt smell, it has become contaminated and a full drain, flush, and refill is in order.

Other common signs of possible leaks in your transmission are problems with shifting, either difficulty or delay of the transmission to go into the proper gear or slipping out of gear while driving.

Potential Results of Leaking Transmission Fluid

Ignoring the leak in your transmission can lead to serious problems for your Mercedes, up to and including a complete transmission replacement. A transmission fluid leak can escalate quickly, so it’s vital you bring your Mercedes to a qualified technician familiar with the Mercedes transmissions and specifications to repair the leak.

Probable Causes of Leaks in Your Mercedes Transmission

The Mercedes transmission is complex and leaks can be tricky to locate. Our technicians are familiar with all the different models of Mercedes and are the best ones to locate the leak. Common culprits causing Mercedes transmission fluid leaks are faulty seals. The one we find to be the problem most often is the transmission oil pan gasket, but leaks can also result from other loose seals, damaged or leaking transmission fluid lines or torque pump, or a damaged or cracked transmission oil pan.

DIY Repair or Service Technician?

Depending on the location and severity of the leak, you might be able to effect a repair on your own, if you have the proper tools and knowledge of your Mercedes. If you check the fluid and it’s still a clear red color with no burnt odor, you’re in great shape. If it’s a little low, but you haven’t noticed any leaks, you could top it up with the fluid listed in your owner’s manual.

We strongly discourage use of commercial transmission leak-stop additives as these can cause severe damage to your transmission. Look out for any further indications of leakage, as this can escalate out of control before you know it. If the fluid is discolored, has a burnt odor, or is significantly low, you’re better off getting it into a Mercedes-qualified specialist for further diagnosis and repairs.

We Can Help!

If you have noticed leaks or transmission symptoms  that could be the result of a leaking transmission, it’s time to give us a call. Our Mercedes specialists here at Glenwood Foreign Car can help you figure out exactly what the problem is and get it repaired quickly. Located close to US Hwy 1, top-rated Glenwood Foreign Cars is easily accessible from Upper Makefield Township, Yardley, Newtown, and Morrisville, PA.

Our experience servicing European automobiles for over 40 years enables us to manage any problems your Mercedes is experiencing. We know you value your Mercedes. So do we. Having worked with Mercedes for a long time, we have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to diagnose and fix your transmission problems and get you back on the road in no time.

The post What Leads to Transmission Leaks in a Mercedes? appeared first on Glenwood Foreign Car.