Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum > Mercedes-Benz Tech Information and Support > Tech Help

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-11-2003, 11:46 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3
380 SE stalling

My '81 380 SE has started stalling at infrequent times. There is no warning, the engine just stops. Usually at stop lights, but sometimes just going down the road. I suspect it is the fuel pump relay. Is there a way to test the circuits to determine if the problem is with the relay or some other problem with current not getting to the relay? I have checked the wiring at the fuel pump and the ignition switch and I can't make the system malfunction in the driveway. Any ideas??

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-11-2003, 04:08 PM
Super Moderator
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Falls Church, VA
Posts: 5,318
Send me an email and I'll send you the procedure off the CD
__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-12-2003, 03:59 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3
Since my last message, it appears that the fuel pump relay is not the problem. The car will run without the relay if I jump the contacts for the relay connections. The problem continues when the engine is warmed up and I release the accelerator at a stop. The engine dies and I suspect that the problem is related to the idle circuit somewhere. The idle control valve is receiving voltage and is functioning as intended. Perhaps the problem is with the throttle plate position sensor or the idle speed control brain box. Any ideas??
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-12-2003, 04:16 PM
Q Q is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 839
Your last post didn't make sense to me. If you jumper the socket with the relay out and it runs fine, it is the relay that is the problem. If you are saying that the car still stalls with the relay jumpered out, I would try cleaning the idle control valve as has been suggested on this forum several times.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-12-2003, 04:31 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 3
Thanks for your input. Yep, I already removed the valve and cleaned it as best I can with Gumout and brake cleaner. As I said, the problem occurs when the throttle is closed and the engine dies. My understanding of the throttle plate sensor is that if it is not functioning, the engine idle would be too high, not too low. It seems like the engine is not getting enough air to keep running at low rpm under load and it stalls.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-12-2003, 04:41 PM
Q Q is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 839
Oh, I've also heard people mention cleaning the air meter thing (forget the name) inside the air cleaner housing.

Have you checked your timing?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-12-2003, 11:48 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Merced, CA
Posts: 95
I had a similar problem with my 380SE. It was solved when I installed a new idle control valve.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-13-2003, 12:17 AM
moparmike's Avatar
You will rue this day...
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: NW Arkansas
Posts: 732
Yep, I had to do that too. Mine stalled out a bunch until I drowned it in WD40. It has only done it twice in 5 months since. However, my fuel economy has declined.

Watch out, even wholesale that part is expensive. About $300 for a part the size of a roll of quarters.

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:15 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2024 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Peach Parts or Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page