'96 E300 - new control module needed?
 

I have been having touble starting my E300 when it has been cold. I have done all the basics - New GPs, tested battery, replaced fuel filters, new fuel etc...

When it does not start properly, I get a "check engine electronics" light which provides a "P1617" Code. I was first told that this was a nonsense code - related to the control module. Now it occurs whenever the car does not start right. So, we are thinking that it might have some validity.

My indy thinks that the control module is not telling the GPs to warm when it is cold outside and thinks that we might need to replace it.

Any thoughts on what would be best to do next?

Have there been problems with these modules before?

Any TSB's for this?

-Dan

That car has a voltage supply relay that powers-up the fuel computer, we replace them all of the time on the 1996-99 diesels.
MB part number 210-540-03-72, list is $105.

MB DOC,

Thanks for the help. Is there a way to test to see if this is the part that is needed for sure?

Also, how hard is installation?

-Dan

If the diesel fuel computer doesn't get power from that relay then the car won't start.

Very easy to install, about 5 minutes.
Open the computer box at the RR engine area, it is the relay with 5-6 fuses at the front of that box.
You might try tapping on that relay when the car WON'T start.

Have you hooked your car up to obd 11 code reader? They will do this free at Auto-Zone

I am not sure what kind of code reader my indy has. I seem to remember odb II not 11. He was able to pull the code, P1617, as mentioned above.

This is not the code normally received for a bad GP relay.

My question:

Is it common to get the P1617 code when the voltage supply relay that powers-up the fuel computer, MB part number 210-540-03-72 (thanks, MBDOC), goes bad? Or would you get the code for bad GP's.

Since this is only happening when it is cold - my indy can not diagnose in warmer (20*F +) weather.

I replaced the module last week. It worked fine while warm as expected. Yesterday when it was cold again, the car did not start.

I learned that when the rearview mirrors flash red and green alternatly this means that there was an Unauthorized Start. I still only get the P1617 code.

So, the car is not recognizing my key and disarming. I tried all of the three keys I own - same thing.

Any recommendations?