Thanx for the reply Cal,
When you say "4-prong CPS at the back of the cylinder head", do you mean that component is actually attached to the back of the cylinder head, or is this something located behind the firewall in the vicinity of and kinda behind the cylinder head. I have nothing matching your description attached to the back of cyl. head. "The Problem" -- Yesterday eve. when I tried to start my car (1988 300 SE ) I immediately heard a sort of backfire I think. The engine would crank over strong, but not start. After continueosly trying ( and I must say that 18 month old Napa battery is a Dang good one!!!) I finally got the engine to start, but it would not idle or even run at all below 1500 RPM. I had to constantly pump the accelerator pedal to keep it running unless I had it around 2500-3000RPM. It was very erratic even then, and also felt and sounded like it had a really bad miss, running very rough. After it died it took several more tries to get it started and it would only start if I primed it with gasoline through the throttle body. After running roughly for awhile I started smelling something (electrical) burning , and it appeared to be emanating from under the dash. So I let the car die and jumped out to disconnect battery. Today all electrical accessories and dash and instruments appear to be working (can't seem to find what was burning), but of course the engine will not start. Several people,( none of which are pro mechanics) said their vehicles did basically same symptoms and changing their CPS cured the problem for them. Any info and comments would be welcome, as I am poor and this car is my only means to get to work..........Thanx in advance