Recently I got a code 6 (idle speed control inoperative), and I am not able to clear that code. All other sockets do not show any codes.

My cruise control also stopped working by the same time I got code 6.

The car has 173K now, and although the code on idle speed, the engine idles normally.

Any clues from the forum gurus?

Most likely a bad throttle actuator. Lots of searchable information on this very common and expensive to fix problem.

J. M. van Swaay

Vello-- Has your engine wiring harness been replaced? Your year and model car has many issues that can easily cost more than the car is worth if they occur together. You may be at a crossroads...

-GH

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So, are you saying the other sockets showed No codes , meaning you got a Single Flash from them ????

J.M., Nissanzx1, and Arthur, thank you for your replies.

The engine wire harness has probably been replaced by the previous owner. I bought this 94 E320 in April 2001. The harness has a white tag with PN MB 1244405632, ZD 11/03/93 (design date), and FD 24/02/98 (fabrication date, indicating this harness has replaced the original).

There is no damage to the engine wire harness. However, there is a tiny harness with 3 wires that comes out of the firewall just above the oil filter and goes down to somewhere in the engine that shows badly cracked and missing insulation (see attached picture). I believe this 3-wire harness is not part of the engine wire harness. Do any of you know what harness would be this one, and if I can replace it?

Regarding Arthur's question on the codes, I was able to clear code 6 (before I was not doing the corrrect procedure). Already run the car and no code came up so far. However Arthur pointed to something weird: I indeed should be getting a single flash on sockets 7, 8 , and 14, but didn't get any. I can only get a single flash on Pin 4 (CEM). Does this means something?

Thank you all for your help.

Attached Thumbnails

 

vellosg1 wrote


I think you're refering to the Battery [aka"B"] Harness.

Photos 2 & 3 at end of thread are of cable through gromet at oil filter and connector [to its right when facing engine]. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforu...d.php?t=167567

Most likely the battery cable is ok. A few dollars for wire and a little soldering and you can DIY as I did. But you have to do some connections from under car. Connector [photo 3] uses pin connections to wire. De-solder and reuse them.

Oil level = Brown/Black [left side, front, bottom of block]
Oil Pressure = Brown/Green [left side, below oil filter]
Solenoid = Purple/White [on starter]

Bob
PS Good to disconnect battery ground before DIY.

At 150,000 miles my 94 E320 had the same code and lost the cruise control. In addition, I heard a growling/grinding sound from the area of the throttle actuator. A rebuilt throttle actuator from 4Mercedes.com and a few hours of my time cured these problems. If you do it yourself, buy a new gasket and a new intake pipe (part number 104-141-09-90)

Your principal focus at this point should be on getting your code reader to work.

In my first post, I mentioned the throttle actuator as the most likely problem. Code 6 and cruise control inop are both symptoms of a defective throttle actuator.

Inop cruise control can also be caused by a defective brake pedal switch. I'm not sure if a code 6 can have other causes.

Before doing anything else, you need to get codes from the cruise control/idle speed control module. (CC/ISC pin 14) A code 2 or 14 would further confirm a defective throttle actuator.

I think both Mr. Dalton and Deanyel are hinting at this as well.

J. M. van Swaay

Some time I lost cold air from my Airconditioning. Even my control is in full cold I still get warm air. I check my freon its full. Anybody out there what is wrong.

Classic symptons of the failure of the ETA.

Most likely cause of failure is the wiring from the ETA plug back to the ETA itself. I rebuilt this 8 inch long harness and eliminated the problem. Others on this site have a nice DIY on how to rebuild this short segment of wiring.

Other alternatives are to replace entire ETA with new (~$1200) or have it rebuilt for approximately $500-600.

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1994 E320 Wagon with many warts SOLD
1995 E320 Wagon with a beauty mark or two FOR SALE