do I need a new idle control valve on 300E?????
 

I have cleaned the idle control valve 3 different times with carb cleaner but the car still has the surge at idle. It is an '87 300E. A lot of times it will start but then die immediately, are they related? It also will have a hesitation sometimes taking off from lights, etc. Are all those related to it?
To test the idle control valve I have turned the key to on but did not hear or feel anything from the valve. Am I checking it correctly? I do not want to pay $150+ for a new one if I do not have to.
Thanks
David

Idle surge is not caused exclusively by the Idle Control Valve.

Other causes of idle surge are:

1.- Vacuum Leaks (the hoses that connect to ICV, Intake Manifold Gasket, etc..)

2.- Air Mass Potentiometer wore out (there are excellent posts with pics.... do a search)

There are many solutions already posted, most likely one of those will solve your problem.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

PS.
Let us know which solution worked for you.