Hello, I used the search and couldn't find they symptoms I'm experiencing, I'd appreciate any help or advice. My '87 2.3-16 has started to act up, it is surging really bad, feels like the fuel is cutting in and out. It will do this then die, not start for awhile, then start and idle, then cut out again. The tank was recently cleaned out due to the car having sat for a long time. It has fresh gas and I just changed the fuel filter hoping that was the problem. It still happens though. Could it be the fuel pump? While idling in the driveway I'll hear the pump get loud then start cutting in and out before quitting. I would like to know if another componement could be causing this before installing a new fuel pump if it isn't needed. Thank you again,

Todd

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1991 300TE Sold
1987 190E 2.3-16v Sold
2009 Toyota Yaris LB
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L
1994 Toyota 4runner
1996 Ducati 900SS

Anybody? Also after I lock the doors there is a "hissing" in the trunk that lasts about 10-15 seconds. It is coming from the right night, is that normal?

__________________
1991 300TE Sold
1987 190E 2.3-16v Sold
2009 Toyota Yaris LB
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L
1994 Toyota 4runner
1996 Ducati 900SS

A new fuel pump relay might address the fuel pump sporadically cutting out however, if the pump is too noisy then it may need to be replaced. Before traveling in this direction I need to ask a few questions, has the vehicle been jump started recently? If the answer is yes then check the 10A fuse in the OVP (over voltage protection) relay, it may be burned. The relay is red on top and resides in the area directly behind the battery.

A good starting point, keep us posted.

Good advice, that's the first place I looked after finding quite a few postings about it. I was hoping to get lucky but the OVP was fine. I'm thinking now that it could be my ignition switch, reason being when it was idling I couldn't get my climate control to operate. I turned the ignition key slightly and it came back on. If I wiggle the key just a little while the car is running, my voltmeter will jump below 12volts then back. I believe the switch is causing the fuel pump to cut on and off. I'll find out when I swap in a different ignition switch. Thanks again,

Todd

__________________
1991 300TE Sold
1987 190E 2.3-16v Sold
2009 Toyota Yaris LB
2008 Honda Pilot EX-L
1994 Toyota 4runner
1996 Ducati 900SS

toddo,

The key switch is a good lead. My daughter's car seems to do that voltmeter twitch too. I will check it out. Her car runs fine, especially after replacing the cap, rotor, and wires and used to have a similar surging problem at various rpm and load combinations.

I imported a bunch of 230E model W123 cars in the early 1980's, all of which have proven to suffer from "fuel pump relay fading syndrome." It may be the weather here compared to the Fatherland, or something else associated with adding an emissions control system. Later model replacement relays seem to be a little more robust though and I am no longer having to stock these items for relatives who jumped on the grey market bandwagon when they found out they could get a new MB in 1984 for $12,000, very nicely equipped (the federalization was another $3K to $5K). When the pump relay fails on a 230E though, the car does not run at all, momentarily anyway. It may start again after being off for a while (cooling down?), but it will fail again a few days later. The pattern repeats with time running between failures getting shorter and shorter. My Aunt has 3 relays, one installed and two "bad" ones in the glove box. When it happens to her now, she just changes it out, and runs on the "bad" one. If it happens again, I get a call and send her a replacement while she plays musical relays and gets by.

I will check into the ignition switch - thanks for the lead. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)