Hello all,

I have been experiencing starting problems with my 230E (W124 engine). The engine cranks but doesnt seem to catch up. I suspected a fuel pump/ relay problem and so opened up the airfilter cover and poured down some petrol and cranked up the engine again. The engine momentarily starts and then goes off again. As per previous posts on this type of problem... i understand that this could be a fuel pump relay problem. Could there be something else wrong in my car ???
Was I right in diagnosing the fuel pump relay as a problem?. And is there someway to bypass the relay so as to enable starting the car?. And where is the relay located?.

I would appreciate replies from Merc techs regarding this.

Does the engine EVER start & stay running?? If not look under the intake for a loose vacuum hose from the idle control valve.

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