1984 230E won't start - help

[njpumphrey]

Hi,
I have just bought myself a 230e from 1984, but it won't start. At first I thought it might be a siezed starter, but it doesn't make a noise when starting is attempted, and rocking the car in gear hasn't helped. The car is charged fine, and runs well with a push start. I thought it might be the ignition module, but don't know how to test it to see if it is faulty. Any ideas??
Many thanks

 

[Legoman]

nah it wont be the module as the car wouldnt run at all , it might be the solenoid on your starter at a guess.

 

[dieselman]

If the starter makes no sound at all it could be:
1. the ignition switch.
2. the starter safety switch on the gearbox, assuming it's an auto.
3. the starter motor brushes.

Test all the above with a test meter.

If it turns voer and wont start it could be:
1. the ignition module. ( check for spark at plugs.
2. the fuel pump or relay. check by listening for pump on ignition on status.

 

[TimN]

I think that the e on the 230e refers to automatic gear box in German. If so, like mine, it would do it no good to put it into gear and rock it backwards and forwards. This action is usually employed to free a starter where the solenoid has not allowed the starter gear to return.

An auto should only start in neutral or parked so check that first.

If your feeling brave you can bypass the ignition switch. On the top of the starter motor you will find the solenoid. It has two large nuts on the back. The upper most fixes the cable from the battery + and also the cable to the ignition/fuse box. This nut should have a healthy 12-14 volts when checked with a volt meter. The lower nut holds the braided cable that goes into the starter motor itself. Access to the starter motor is quite poor and removing it is not easy.

Also on the solenoid you will find a small screw or a spade connector. Again 12 volts should be found but only when a colleague turns the key to the start position with the car in park or neutral. If you do get 12 volts then you either have a faulty starter motor or a bad earth. The earth is a braided cable that loops from the clutch bell housing to the bulk-head on the left hand side of the car as you sit in it. This can be temporarily bypassed using a jump lead from somwhere metal, uninsulated on the engine and the other end on the negative terminal of the battery.

If you don't get 12 volts on the screw, then remove the wire afixed to it put the car into neutral and using a wire with a crocadile clip on one end put the clip in the small screw/spade connector and place the other end smartly onto the positive battery terminal. If all is well with the start3er and the earth then it should attempt to start.


Regards

TIM

 

[dieselman]

"E" stands for inejction in German.