wild idle
 

First of all I would like to say that this is such a great site that I have been able to fix a lot of my cars problems by just using the search function and looking for similar problems that the other problems have had. However, there is this problem which I still can't seem to fix. My car by the way is a 1987 260E and I am from the Philippines where there is no reputable shop that can fix Mercedes cars so I have to do most of the job myself. The problem is when my engine warms up to operating temp (80-90) the idle would just swing wildly from 500 to 1100 rpm. It doesnt stall the engine though. This condition is agravated when the airconditioner is turned on. I also cannot get the car to idle below 1000 rpm when the airconditioner is turned on. It would immediately swing wildly so I set the the idle to 1300rpm without the aircon and when I turn it on, it drops to 1100rpm. However at these idle speeds, it is very difficult to change gears from nuetral to drive or reverse as the car would lunge forward or backward because of the high idle. Based on the search on this site, I have already done the following:

1. changed spark plugs
2. changed high tension wires
3. changed OVP
4. changed idle control valve
5. checked for leaks
6. changed idle actuator
7. checked all fuses
8. checked wiring harness

Still the idling problem persists. What do I do next. Any help especially from the benz experts would be highly appreciated.

Nikos124

I had the same problem with my 380 SEC look to see if you have an idle control valve. and an idle control relay. both of mine were shot had them replaced and never had a problem with it since.

benzat
1982 380 SEC

thanks benzat,

I have already changed out the idle control valve with still no luck. I dont know if I have an idle control relay. Do you know the name of this part under Fastlane so I can check it out.

thanks again

nikos124

HI NIKOS124,
I am quite positive , the idle control unit is the culprit. It just behind the electronic fuel distributer
ZEE:)

blackmercedes: I had a 90 Mazda MX-6 that had a cracked intake plenum (the plastic "bellows" looking part) that created all sorts of havoc!

$50 later, all was well. Doubtful that it is the MB problem though...