Originally Posted by J.J.

Exceptional comments/advise re. 'stealerships' ! I was SO not wanting to go that route! Also thanking the gent who realized I am, without a doubt, a novice at car mechanics...likely a gender problem. I have owned 4 MB's and had access to a wonderful private garage for many years, sadly it closed. And a note, I now reside about 60 miles from a major city. Will try the route of local auto parts places for a start as recommended. Also have a rural local guy with a small shop that has an Utragauge (now that I know what it's called) who said he could diagnose fairly straightforward problems, but explained there are many problems that 'hide', for lack of a better word. It may take a couple days but will report back. Very glad I chose this route first. Thanks!

"JJ- get yourself an Ultragauge ($80) and plug it in and wait, or, the next time it acts up, take it to AutoZone or Advance Auto and have the code(s) read - then come back here and we'll see what we can do to help."