What is an OVP?
 

Please forgive my ignorance, but could someone tell me what the acronym OVP stands for. I performed a search on the subject and there were many references to this device but no expansion of the acronym. One of my cars has an M104 engine and references to the "OVP" were made in the same thread.

OVP stands for the: Over 'Voltage Protection Relay. This Relay acts something like a fuse, except that instead of protecting against excess currents, it protects against excess voltages.

Phil

Phil,

really appreciate the concise answer.

Stuart

The OVP primarily acts as a voltage conditioner, with a relay that will trip off if the voltage spikes too high. It protects the ECU and other critical electronics. Problems arise when the relay contacts or solder joints deteriorate. At this point it becomes a 'voltage de-conditioner', and can cause erratic operation of the ECU and the circuits it controls.

Steve

I should have also mentioned the the OVP Relay has a fuse of its own, located on top of the relay itself. Sometimes that fuse blows, causing erratic symptoms, such as hard starting, ABS light on, high/rough idle speed, etc.

Not sure about your car, but the OVP relay is usually located in front of the firewall, behind the Battery. The black plastic panel, behind the battery needs to be removed to gain access to it.

Phil

Thanks for the great and detailed information. I have been researching for the past 4 weeks if a 1996 E320 has an "OVP". The only relays I have found are located on the right rear of the engine compartment and it is one unit(relay module) inside the engine computer compartment.

Does anyone knows if it is another location for the OVP? Does this vehicle has one?

I would greatly appreciate any help.

Norman :(

No OVP on 210..

Is it possibel that this is the cause of my complete electrical dropout tonight? (Please see my thread posted recently.)

I do get the eternal ticking noise coming from behind the passenger side of the dash.