87 190e will not turn over - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 07-01-2002, 03:16 PM

Electrical is not my strong suit here, but I suspect that's what I'm dealing with...

1987 190e 2.3 will not turn over, but the fuel injector clicks for a few seconds when turning the key. No clicking from the solonoid.

The battery is good and I tried a jump start.

The fuse on the overvoltage relay is good, as are all other fuses.

I'm not sure if this is related, but I noticed several days before it would not start, the heater was always blowing hot air on low, even when the heater/blower was set to cool/off.

Also, a couple days before it would not turn over, the fuel gauge and the temp gauge simultaniously stopped working.

I'm glad I discovered this forum, I've found a lot of great advise while browsing, but nothing on this problem.

Thanks for any help, James

jay123 · #2 07-01-2002, 05:00 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jtcrump

1987 190e 2.3 will not turn over, but the fuel injector clicks for a few seconds when turning the key. No clicking from the solonoid.

I'm not clear as to what you mean by this. However, the easiest thing to check is the fuse box for any bad fuses. I'm guessing you haven't done this..If you have..Good..
If the engine is not turning over, also check the battery terminals for tightness. Clean the terminals with a wire brush. Coca-Cola also helps. The problem needs to be isolated to the starter/solenoid/ignition switch.
First things first..

#3 07-01-2002, 05:12 PM

jay, yes, thanks, all checked.

-battery terminals/ground
-all fuses good.

when i turn the key over, a buzzing or clicking comes from the top driver side in the engine, I'm pretty sure this is just pumping fuel.

I hear nothing from the starter or solinoid area.

thanks, james

jay123 · #4 07-01-2002, 05:52 PM

The clicking, sounds to me, could be the electrical relays by the fuse box. Get a hammer or something and bang on the starter a few times. DON'T BEAT IT !! Could be the starter drive/solenoid could be stuck in place or jammed. I had to do this a few times on my 240D before it was buried (RIP).
Check the other ground strap that attaches to the bellhousing of the tranny on the driver's side. Better safe than sorry. All else fails, take the starter out and go to a parts place. Some of them still test starters and alternators.
Good Luck..

brookspw · #5 07-01-2002, 09:22 PM

Then you aren't taking the turns fast enough...

Sorry, couldn't resist :-)

brookspw

sbourg · #6 02-26-2003, 11:12 AM

Turn on headlights and try to start. If the lights dim some, you likely have a starter problem. If they don't dim at all, something is keeping the starter from getting current - bad shifter switch, fuse, wiring, or solenoid. If the lights dim dramatically, you have a battery or wiring problem, or the starter/solenoid are shorted.

Steve

#7 02-26-2003, 11:35 AM

thanks steve.

i forgot to post my solution, it turned out to be a loose ignition wire under the steering wheel. the garage i bopught it from done a poor jump of removing a security system. I eventially found the loose wire and and hooked it back in, now it starts

james

190dee · #8 02-26-2003, 02:57 PM

Good thing that you did find the wire!

It's really sad that when you bring your car to a shop/professional you get it back in that shape. Why is it so hard to find good shop these days?

I know that there are alot of pros on the forum and this is not meant to you. I haven't met a single person here that give impression of being irresponsible or careless. It would be a pleasure to visit your shops!