All right, I have included a picture to better explain my problem. Just for reference, the yellow arrow points toward the front of the car (1992 300CE). This is the left-hand side.

1) The red arrow points to a vacuum line. What is its purpose? When the car is running and I disconnect it, the engine sound changes. To me it sounds like the engine gets smoother and becomes less "restricted."

2) The brunt of my problem. When the car is cold (may or may not be relevant) the car will often crank but not start. If I have somebody holding the ignition (i.e. cranking the engine) and I apply the slightest bit of pressure right where the green arrow indicates, the car starts up instantly. What the heck is going on? What exactly do I need to replace? BTW, if I disconnect that plug, the car will crank but not start. Interestingly enough, the car runs fine if I unplug it after the car has started.

The picture doesn't show but what you're describing looks to be the Ignition Control Module.

So before getting too long winded, check my page (red house) and select Menu #4. Then we'll talk!

[Edited by JimF on 05-31-2001 at 12:53 AM]

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

correction, if I unplug that cable the car WILL start.Just for reference, here is the URL for the picture:

http://www.picturetrail.com/blizzak454/259240

1) edit your first post to correctly show the pic.
2) delete you second post!
3) did you figure it out by checking my page? If not, why not?

Hint: the "B" connector contains the Terminal 30 (+12V) the powers the CAN bus and the INPUT signals (camshaft sensor).

So maybe a bad connection (ohmic) where the plug mates with the 'B' socket. Check and clean those connections.

The vacuum line 'maps' the fuel in the so-called LOAD module. That's the square area on top where the vacuum line plugs into.

On my S500, had similar complaints and after lots of tests, the ICM was determined to be at fault. Got a used one from a NY wrecking yard for $200.




[Edited by JimF on 06-02-2001 at 01:07 AM]

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page