E300 1997 stalls while running - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #16 11-07-2016, 09:31 AM

For some reason I was under the impression that it was only the 95 E300 that had the biodegradable harness. Did it definitely extend beyond 1995?

Quote:

Originally Posted by brightem

Check your entire engine wiring harness closely. I had to replace mine several years ago because I was having more strange problems. I noticed that numerous wires had cracks in the insulation with some exposed wires. Arcing was occurring in some places. The insulation was brittle and flaking off in many areas. From what I could find, Mercedes was using biodegradable wiring harnesses during that era. My car has mostly been out of the weather and garaged it's entire life, so there is no other reason to expect normal wiring to do this. The car has been perfect since replacing the harness.

brightem · #17 11-07-2016, 10:49 AM

I'm not certain if the harnesses were used beyond that date, but mine was definitely disintegrating all over. The dealership had the harnesses in stock surprisingly, but they had never heard of a biodegradable harness being used in any Mercedes. Just to be safe, check yours closely. Pay close attention where they go into connectors.

bsmuwk · #18 11-08-2016, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

For some reason I was under the impression that it was only the 95 E300 that had the biodegradable harness. Did it definitely extend beyond 1995?

Up to 97, bio harnesses were in use. Anything with a 98 build date and later, is good to go.

Will update all when my SOV comes in.

bsmuwk · #19 11-09-2016, 06:26 PM

Well, the shut off valve came in today.

Honestly didn't even need to replace it.

Turned out one of the car's electrical harnesses on one of the plugs to the K40 relay had broken free from it's solder and gave me an intermittent problem. I'll post up a video in a second with what it does when I touch it. Cool stuff - also glad I bought a new SOV anyway, as this whole debacle had me renew my fuel o-rings because it's been 30k miles since I've done so. Put the new valve on and will keep the old on a shelf as a spare.

bsmuwk · #20 11-09-2016, 06:32 PM

Was the connector, not the K40.

It'll usually be the K40 for those looking to solve their stalling problems. My case seems to be isolated to my car only. Oh well.

Car shuts off a bit quicker with the new SOV, so I'm content.

Jeremy5848 · #21 11-09-2016, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

For some reason I was under the impression that it was only the 95 E300 that had the biodegradable harness. Did it definitely extend beyond 1995?

My '96 E300D (W210) has the biodegradable insulation. I had to rebuild the harness that runs along side the transmission, controls the reverse and brake lights (and probably more, I forget). The insulation hardened, cracked, fell off. Massive short circuits.

Jeremy

dtf · #22 11-10-2016, 09:40 AM

Excellent thread. Resurrecting old posts like this is really important because these cars last 2 lifetimes and nobody in a MB shop in my area is old enough or experienced enough to know how to work on them any more.

The last time I took the '95 to a MB dealer for a mysterious problem they could even find the old code reader in the shop.

biopete · #23 02-25-2017, 03:27 PM

I'm having same issue with my 1997 e300 diesel. It would stall. Then not start and no glow plug light when it wouldn't start. I have an autel maxidas Scanner. I figured out that it would throw a diesel authorization code that I could clear when this happened and it would start and drive.

Then it got weirder and now it doesn't show up with the scanner and that old code doesn't show up. i bought a new transponder ring and master key thinking key could be bad or transponder. But still not glow plug light and no start. But that code isn't there.

Codes I am getting are can communication errors on transmission module. My scanner isn't scanning the diesel injection system as it's not seeing it.

Does k40 control the diesel injection system and drive authorization ?

My car cranks all day long. So now I'm off to check the k40 and wires. Thanks

biopete · #24 02-25-2017, 04:22 PM

Dang. My 1998 has a totally different relay. Mine is part A 210 540 0372
Anyone have one of those that works and they want to sell ? Or let me try it ?

Also , is there a way to reset all drive authorization codes without a scanner. I've left batter disconnected for a long time.

biopete · #25 02-27-2017, 11:36 AM

After some more reading on here, I may have another significant symptom on my car. When i turn the key on the electric fan comes on and stays when the scanner is plugged in and connects to car. I read that on a 1997 E320 that was a sign there is no signal from the ECU.

So if i am not getting a connection to the ECU, That may explain why the scanner is no longer picking up the correct diesel injection system maybe. It only lets me pick Production from 3/1997 . My car is made in 2/1997.

Anyway, sounds like I've got a tough electrical problem to sort out. I'll check grounds first.

Does anyone have a wiring diagram for k40? It really stinks you can't get a good manual for this car outside of MB Wis. I have the WIS dvd i got on ebay that installs a vm but i need an old windows computer for it. My last one died.

Thanks

jay_bob · #26 02-27-2017, 11:50 AM

Aux fan on full as soon as the key is on with a cold engine = ECU is totally down, probably no power to the ECU

biopete · #27 02-27-2017, 10:11 PM

Thanks jay bob. Is that the main harmess providing power ? I really need a working diagram. I ordered a k40 from pelican. 70.00 cheaper than my local dealer. Thanks pelican !

Does that prove de the ecu power ?

One question is as I'm chasing wires and grounds -- how much is under that God forsaken intake ? Lol. God I hate that design.

but maybe it adds some efficiency to the combustion at the expense of a little inefficiency on the maintenance ?

thanks

biopete · #28 03-13-2017, 10:49 PM

Update -- my problem was k40 relay ! Yeah. Mercedes gods were smiling on me. It does provide power to the ecu. The car started right up, the scanner worked and detected the right Diesel engine.

Thanks everyone for this thread. .

bobwiese · #29 02-28-2024, 06:48 AM

On the stalling issue for me, the SOV plug seems to have a bad connection. When I push the wires near the plug it will stall or run rough and then recover. I get all kinds of error messages and codes on my dash when it happens while driving, so kind scary when it happened to my wife in Orlando on US-4. I cleaned the contacts as best I could and even jammed a flattened piece of copper wire into the bullet connectors to tight it up a bit. 5 years later, problem is back. The bullet connectors seem to be a bit oxidized so I guess I give it a more thorough cleaning and use some electric contact grease to prevent a repeat down the road. The wires themselves look to be in good shape, no sign of any insulation cracking. Don't really want to pay $150 for a replacement plug...

97 Mercedes E300D Non-turbo
84 Volvo 240 Turbo 5sp Sedan and it's matching Coupe
91 Volvo 240 Sedan
01 VW Jetta TDI
08 Toyota Landcruiser
11 Honda CR-Z

bobwiese · #30 03-01-2024, 08:51 AM

Update on my SOV plug. I turns out that one the the wires (yellow/black) had a bad solder at the bullet socket. I was testing it with my ohm meter one more time prior to reinstalling the plug by stressing each socket with my probe and the yellow black socket went wonky. When I took the plug apart, the wire was just spinning inside of the socket totally loose. Got it resoldered and will be doing the reinstall later today.

Taking apart the socket is not an easy task. I had to use my Xacto micro saw to cut the top of the plug off, and the wires are very well glued into the plug entry. So an over-engineered plug with a defective solder joint.