P200C Mercedes A 170 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P200C Mercedes A 170 code definition:
P200C is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Mercedes A 170.

P200C Mercedes A 170 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. Other serious codes may cause this code to pop up, and they may come with dangerous drivability issues that may expose you to safety risks and cause damage to the engine in the long run.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P200C Mercedes A 170 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Excessive exhaust leak
Hesitation upon acceleration
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Low fuel pressure caused by a clogged filter, failing fuel pump, failed fuel pressure regulator or clogged or leaking injectors.

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 :

Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. Now, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset. Oxygen sensors signal the engine management computer the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust, which is used in determining and controlling the fuel ratio.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P200C Mercedes A 170 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 P200C Mercedes A 170.

Fortunately, P200C Mercedes A 170 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.