1989 300SE w/ ABS light constantly on & engine start up

[uezenkwele]

I recently had my battery changed to a new one and since then the ABS light has remained on. Furthermore, when I attempt to start the vehicle it cranks, idle, groans, sputters and essentially does not kick over unless I steadily apply pressure on the accelerator pedal. I never had this problem before - what can I do? Please, advise?

 

[ScorpionSingh]

Hi uez
I have the exact same prob! ABS light comes on, car becomes 'fluffy' and sluggish, doesn't start well etc!
Ive changed:
HT leads, Cap and Rotor arm.
Main ECU under windscreen
Ignition ECU on nearside inner wing

DID NOT FIX THE PROB

Ive been told to change the 'Kickdown relay' next to the brake servo. Apparently this effects the cold start injector, fuel pump and kickdown: a faulty unit would affect the current to the abs unit and cause poor running... sounds logical, but I havent done it yet... let me know how YOU get on.

 

[RJR28/12]

Hi ScorpionSingh possible cause is a blown fuse in the over voltage protection relay possibly due to a voltage surge i think it is positioned in the windscreen scuttle panel area near the wiper linkage..

 

[ScorpionSingh]

The 'Kickdown' relay made no difference!

RJ.. the fuse was OK , I checked it earlier.

I wonder.... Could it be the idle control module behind the glovebox which is the culprit? Im sure Uez would join me in thanking anyone who can help.

 

[joe bloggs]

Strange, this had overvoltage relay fuse written all over it, I suggest you check the supply to and from the relay, perhaps one of the supplies is missing (2.5 mm red cables).
The kickdown relay is actually the fuel pump relay, It has kickdown written on it as it limits the kickdown operation at high rpm, (max rpm is marked on it) You are looking for the silver relay with the clear top cover and a red fuse.

 

[talbir]

I t could be the contact pins on the OVP are dirty/corroded.

This happens primarily due to the location of the OVP - it's located midway between battery and brake booster, near wiper motor.

Remove the OVP and check contact pins. Also check for ground and +12V in relay pin bushing housing.

talbir

 

[uezenkwele]

Thanks! Problem solved

Scorpionsingh, joebloggs, and talbir thanks for your input. I replaced the voltage relay fuse (which was burnt out) and re-adjusted the wires connecting the silver box and voila , I am back in business. So far, so good!!

 

[ScorpionSingh]

Nice One!

RJ, Joe and Talbir; It was the pigging OVP relay! The fuse was ok, but the relay was sticking intermittantly... Give it a tap with an 8mm and it worked!

Got a new one and the car sings like a bird!

Uez, thanks for posting your fault, else I would not have known where else to look!

 

[ScorpionSingh]

BTW... I ment to say a big thanks to RJ, Joe and Talib too..
Cheers!!