P142B Mercedes S 550 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P142B Mercedes S 550 code definition:
P142B is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Mercedes S 550.

P142B Mercedes S 550 is described as Fuel System Too Rich, which basically means bank 1's oxygen sensor has detected a rich condition of fuel. This means there's not enough oxygen in the exhaust from too much fuel being delivered into the air and gas mixture for combusion. 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 P142B Mercedes S 550 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Carbon Buildup on O2 Sensor
Poor fuel economy
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF
A plugged converter will cause of host of driveability problems as well as set this code. A severely plugged converter will result in the inability to increase rpm when under load. Look for a code such as P0421 -- catalytic converter efficiency below threshold if the converter indicating a faulty converter.
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

Look at the plug wires to make sure they are not burnt or laying on the exhaust. Pack the connector cavity with dielectric silicone compound (same stuff they use for light bulb sockets and spark plug wires) and reassemble. 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.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P142B Mercedes S 550 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 P142B Mercedes S 550.

Fortunately, P142B Mercedes S 550 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.