W124 - 230 2.3e Idling problem - Benzworld.org

MarkB · 09-09-2002, 12:34 AM

My 1987 MB W124-230 2.3e has developed a hard start problem along with hi idle (1100 aprox, was 650 rpm prior).

Car was running perfectly and this happened instantly with no apparent problems leading up to this situation.

Brake abs dash warning light also glows constantly and seems coincedental to have happened at same instance.

Brakes working working fine including abs.

Car runs well overall when warmed up but slightly rough when cold this this problem developed.

Any ideas ??

Paul Elliot · 09-09-2002, 03:38 PM

Sounds a bit weird, but I'd check the idle control valve or control unit first (if it has one, I'm not too sure what injection system your 2.3 has). You might also check your alternator, the ABS light coming on can be a symptom of a dynig alternator.
Best of luck!
Paul

Greg in Oz · 09-09-2002, 07:37 PM

Your car runs a 2.3 M102 engine with K-E Jetronic injection which is K Jetronic (mechanical CIS injection) with electronic control of idle speed and mixture. All M102 and M103 engines of the late '80s and early '90s (W107, W124, W126, W201 cars) ran this system. The fuse for the electronics has probably failed. The fuse is located next to the engine electronic control unit and over-voltage relay and can be found by removing the plastic cover behind the battery. I owned a 1992 W201 180E (1.8 M102 engine) for a short time before purchasing my 1990 W124 300TE (3.0 M103 engine). At the time of purchase I noticed the 180E idled fast and was difficult to start when cold. After replacing the fuse (which had failed) I found that it was perfect. The battery had been replaced just prior to my purchase so it is possible that a jump start may have caused the fuse to fail.

MarkB · 09-09-2002, 07:59 PM

Thanks for making the effort to reply [8D]

I just found this and am going to try it this afternoon...

http://www.thebenzbin.com/mercedes-hard-start.html

It seems to be the answer as it suggest's that the relay/fuse in particular governs both the coldstart/idle curcuits as well as the seemingly unrelated ABS curcuit.

This appears to be the same one Greg mentions.

Thanks again, will report back as to what transpires.

MarkB · 09-21-2002, 08:40 AM

The Voltage Overload Relay was the problem.

It was just old and new one has made car perfect again, thanks to all
[:)]