Greetings,
Yesterday I was replacing some fuses on our 190E and I noticed that one of the relays behind the fuses was missing. I went in to check the manual for what it was. It turned out to be the overvolt protection relay. Is this perhaps why our car is stalling and blowing fuses? I don't understand why it wasn't there?? Does anyone have any ideas?? Thanks for the help.

Kodiak

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1988 190E 2.3 (178,000)
FastLane, PartsShop and this forum rule!!!

Since I'm not familiar with the layout of your model, I am only going to venture a guess...

I can't imagine how your car would even run at ALL if you were missing the relay. You didn't mention the year of your car, and perhaps the manual may cover models that would have the OVP residing there, while yours doesn't?

Stalling IS one of the symptoms of a bad OVP, but it's a pretty noticable silver relay, a little taller than a typical inkjet cartridge. I don't know why yours would be missing. How long have you had the car, and have you always had the problems you described? My OVP plugs in AND is held in place with a bolt, so it just doesn't fall off.

If your car really doesn't have an OVP, then you might be desribing the symptoms of a bad wiring harness.

Anyway, reply with more info, like year of car, when problems occurred, what fuses are blowing, etc.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

I have the same problem with my '85 190E 2.3. I posted the question and the reply I got said the engine would run but, that it would at least run more fuel. From what I understand without the OVP the computer is not able correct the fuel mixture and all that stuff. Mine was using alot of fuel and now is running real rough. I am going to try to find a relay this weekend. I will let you know if it corrects the problems.

Good Luck
Dan

I have a 190E 2.3 that is running rich as well. What is your typical fuel mileage? Do you know what the fuel mileage on the car should be?

I average about 24 mpg overall with about 50% of my driving being in town. I don't think it makes much difference whether I'm driving in town or in the highway.

I never figured out what the mileage was but i would guess around 12 MPG. It is very noticable.

Dan

Thanks guys for the responses.
I am at a loss and look forward to any further input.
Rodega- Our trip odometer doesn't work so I havn't bothered to look at the mileage. Oh, by the way our gas gauge doesn't work right either. Gotta love this one.

Kyle

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1988 190E 2.3 (178,000)
FastLane, PartsShop and this forum rule!!!

I think on your car, the OVP would be behind the battery compartment, most likely with red top and single GM-style fuse. My 2.6 has a blank spot for a module behind the fuses as well; I think it is meant to be empty. Cheers, Andrew Seidel.

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86 560SEC
85 500SEC Lorinser
83 300D Turbo
75 240D

The manual I have is for the 2.3 8 valve only and it says that the OVP is behind the fuses. I do have some contacts that it would plug into. The blank relay holders don't have any contacts in them.

Dan

Car will not run without OVP plugged in. OVP is not located in back of your fuse box, it is near the Lambda in back of the battery on a 16V. If your OVP is bad, perf will be poor, and car might intermittently stall. Sometimes fuse on top of OVP can be good eventhough relay is bad. Pull relay out and shake it to hear if their are any loose parts in it. Also sand the contacts and plug it back in. the relay plugs in back of fuse box are dummies. The OVP would probably not cause your "blowing fuse" problem. Refer to my other post re your temp sensor test.
mrossi
85 Euro 16V

Dan,
Does the engine shudder and run rough??? I was getting
less than 18 mpg and a cyl leakdown test showed lower
of compression in one cyl. Had a burnt valve. Everything
runs great now. You might need head work. Just a thought.
I now get 24 to 26 mpg.
What is your milage on your 190E???

Gary

I'm getting around 570-600kms out of a tank mixed city/highway driving on my 190E 2.6........

what about you guys???

sometimes my car stumbles, my econo gauge goes into the red zone and I have very low power. If I turn the key off and then start the car again, the problem(s) is gone.....OVP related????

Mike McKinney

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1989 300CE - 269,000 km
1994 SL600 - 59,000 km