Hi, I'm confused on this FSS Flexible Service System. I did read the manual but still not sure of the meaning of the reading I am getting. I noticed when I went to start it up the FSS read 2-wrenches (B service I think) a little round clock thingie and -730
Can you guys help me on what this means ? Does it mean I am 730 miles PASSED when the oil should have been changed ?? And other normal B maintenance stuff.
Thanks Sorry I'm still learning.
Ralph

 

From the downloadable owner's manual I think that means it thinks it is about two years overdue for a B Schedule (extended) maintenance. Number is in days.

Look under "Maintenance Schedules" near the end.

 

WHAT ! could that be correct ! I better at least get the oil changed ASAP. If it said the same thing except +730 would that mean I would have 730 more mile to go before the B maintenance is needed ?? Is there a + & - that is used ?? Is that the way it works ??
Thanks

 

Yes, unless the previous owner never reset the FSS when the oil was changed.
( happens a lot, the FSS reset procedure can drive you to drink )

And do not "get the oil changed".
Change it yourself, it's easy and a bunch cheaper.
Buy the Mobil1 10w40 at wallyworld, get a fleece filter online (http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/151443334456?lpid=82&chn=ps)
If you are lazy or don't like getting your hands dirty, get a "topsider" type oil extractor.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manual-6-5Liter-Oil-Changer-Vacuum-Fluid-Extractor-Pump-Tank-Remover-/261454332710?hash=item3cdfe48326&item=261454332710&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

 

Yep, I think I will change it to be on the safe side, no idea when the other owner changed it. Yes I plan on changing it myself already got one of those filters off ebay, boy I was just at Wally world today ! You said 10w-40 isn't it 0w-40 ??
I always keep records of EVERYTHING I do on my cars, makes it easy.
THANKS
Ralph
THANKS

 

Yes, 0w-40 is the recommended. Typo.

 

That is miles as you say, it starts at 7,000 and reduces as you drive. If it was days then you'd have 19+ years on the same oil.
Also you want a top sider that contains at least 8 liters of oil. When you have a manual pump you want the capacity to be more so there is an air gap when full, you need the extra volume to have the reduced pressure in.

 

Good point.

This one does 8 quarts ( almost there ) :
8 Quart Liquivac Oil Extractor Vacuum No Electricity Needed | eBay

But this one looks like the best deal, it sucks and blows :

 

Mine says 4200 (button press after OK) but am coming up on the one year since last change mark. This is in miles. 2800 miles since the last one is about right.

However I suspect the wrenches and clock bit may be different "Depending on operating conditions throughout the year, a clock symbol may appear next tothe service symbol (one or two wrenches). When this occurs, the next service is calculated and displayed in days remaining before the next service is required." '07 OM page 277

-720 would be about two years.

Or is the Owner's Manual rong ? YWTK

 

-720 = 720 miles past due service with two wrenches.
My book does not mention two wrenches and a clock, so that is a puzzle to me.

 

Ok going to change the oil & filter anyway as I just got the car and don't know for sure when it was changed last.
Question:
Will a regular adjustable STRAP type wrench work to take off the filter case ?
Anybody know what size Copper drain plug washer it takes. I never change them but being this is an aluminum pan I think it might be a good idea, don't want to strip it out.
Is the drain plug LEFT hand threaded, I think I read that somewhere ??
THANKS

 

OK I give up. Below is the page from my OM. Note the difference when just the wrench(es) is present and when the clock is also there (as described in the first post).

ps the same thing may be found on page 231 of the '04 OM.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ralph289

Ok going to change the oil & filter anyway as I just got the car and don't know for sure when it was changed last.
Question:
Will a regular adjustable STRAP type wrench work to take off the filter case ?
Anybody know what size Copper drain plug washer it takes. I never change them but being this is an aluminum pan I think it might be a good idea, don't want to strip it out.
Is the drain plug LEFT hand threaded, I think I read that somewhere ??

THANKS

Question:
Will a regular adjustable STRAP type wrench work to take off the filter case ?
Answer; Yes and you should be able to do it by hand as well.

Anybody know what size Copper drain plug washer it takes. I never change them but being this is an aluminum pan I think it might be a good idea, don't want to strip it out.
Answer; 14,4 mm ID and 19,8 OD (.567" ID x .78" OD)

Is the drain plug LEFT hand threaded, I think I read that somewhere ??
Answer; No.

 

Don't give up, it's bad for you.
I guess you are correct when I read the text correctly. I stand corrected.

 

GREAT help !!!
THANKS
Ralph

 

As to the copper drain plug washers, $6 gets you 6 of 'em :
Mercedes 1985 2015 Engine Oil Drain Copper Washer 6 Seals | eBay

 

The clock with wrenches and negative number is DAYS past due for that service.

My car sat ALOT before I bought it, and it came up with about a year past due.

 

Ok did my first oil & filter change on a Crossfire today.........well it was different ......just takes lot longer then most. BUT how the heck do you reset that darn FSS reading. Me and my wife (navigator ) she was reading the instructions from the manual as I did the key/button thing. Well she is now a Speed Reader ! but I still haven't gotten it to reset I get as far as where you are to hear a beep or signal but never get the beep or signal, and it reading never re-sets. Well gave up after about 10 tries (don't want to fight with the wife ) . I record EVERYTHING I do to my cars on paper so I guess I will live with that UNLESS someone has a secret to this FSS re-set thing.
Thanks
Ralph

 

OK, staealership neglected to reset mine yesterday so just did. Incidently apparently it only reads in nearest 100 miles since was reading 4200 when I left home and about 40 miles later it still read 4200.

From my OM:
"The counter can also be reset by any individual after the
indicated service has been performed. To do so:
1. Turn key to the ON/RUN position.
2. Within one second press the ****/button twice.
3. The present status for days or distance is displayed.
Within 10 seconds turn the key to OFF/
LOCK.
4. Press and hold the ****/button, while turning
the key to ON/RUN again. The present status for
days or distance is displayed once more. Continue
to hold the ****/button.
After approximately 10 seconds, a signal sounds and
the display shows 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km) for
approximately 10 seconds.
5. Release the ****/button."

Note at (2) you have to press the button twice. Once just gives the oil level. ps that is the odo button on the left.
At (3) this must be done before the display switches back to odo.
I can't hear so just held the button in at (4) until the display changed from 4200 to 7000.

Job done.

 

All good up until this part :
After approximately 10 seconds, a signal sounds and
the display shows 7,000 miles (Canada: 11,000 km) for
approximately 10 seconds.