I was wondering if anyone knew what might be wrong with my car... It started having trouble when i was goin up this hill and the car just stopped running. The problem was the the rotor has discinagrated. So i replaced the rotor and distributor cap. Ever since then however my car has been idleing really low and has no power. You have to let the car warm up before you put it into gear or it will stall and to start it most of the time you have to have the accelerator pushed completely. I replaced the coil, plug wires, and plugs to see if it was just bad spark but this did really nothing. I consulted my local Mercedes garage and they told me to try replaceing the cold start valve since i have to let it warm up before it will move...which i have done..but still my car idle's bad and has no power. i have been getting horrible gas milage also... So if anyone could help me in diagnosing the problem it would be appreciated...

Be sure to check the fuse in the top of the overvoltage relay. It is behind the battery in the top of a relay (the one with the red top).. Most of the time it is this. What year is your Mercedes??

I have never seen a fautly cold start valve on a Mercedes.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Many times an ignition failure can cause damage to catyltic converter.
Also make sure to check compression.

I would get a different MB specialist. The cold start valve plays absolutely no part in drivability. Its only works while the starter is engaged and even then for no more than 12 seconds at -20deg C.

I agree with benzmac check the overvoltage protection relay (the first place to check is the fuse).

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

[This message has been edited by stevebfl (edited 04-26-2000).]