P12BE Mercedes R 350 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P12BE Mercedes R 350 code definition:
P12BE is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Mercedes R 350.

P12BE Mercedes R 350 is defined as Knock Sensor Circuit Range Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). This refers to camshaft timing, which in this case is over-retarded. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P12BE Mercedes R 350 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Vacuum leak on the engine
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels
Engine surge
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)

Common Misdiagnoses

Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem
Park/Neutral Postion (PNP) Switch Circuit Engine Torque Signal Circuit Problem

Repair Processes :

Find out what kind of system you have and verify that voltage to the fuel level sensor is present at the fuel pump wiring harness. If the scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P12BE Mercedes R 350 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P12BE Mercedes R 350.

Fortunately, P12BE Mercedes R 350 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.