cold start problems on w124 tourer

[toadheaddesigns]

having recently made my purchase i am really happy

however, it starts very poorly from cold. Its an auto, and it turns over fine, fires then dies. 6 times to start this morning. It sounds really grumbly at initial tickover once i get it going and on pressing the throttle it seems to want to die and the revs drop off if not careful

however after a few mins it tick over lovely at 900 rpm, and doesnt miss a beat.

Basically to start it i am turing over and having to rev it a little to hold the revs, but even then it can die under throttle

It is due a servive so will be getting this done this week (full service and will change plug leads too), but is there anything else that you think would need looking at?? is there a history of cold start probs and any info on causes/solutions would be very much appreciated

Thanks once again

Toad (mark)

 

[toadheaddesigns]

pS its a 200TE if that makes a difference, with 144k full sh

 

[Richard Moakes]

Could be a number of things, however here are some cheap things to try.

Does it have ABS? Is the ABS warning light on all the time? If so you need to check the fuses on the OVP relay or replace the OVP relay.

If that isn't applicable, then you may have leaky injectors, try running some injector cleaner through the system, it always made a big difference to my car before I put a set of new injectors in it. Any brand will do, Halfords sell it, so you should be able to pick some up easy.

You may have a faulty cold start valve or idle air valve, but I would advise doing the cheap things first

 

[toadheaddesigns]

thanks rich, yes its an abs model and the light is on all the time (one job at a time) i will check the fuses on the ovp relay and replace as necessary...well...i'll ask the garage to do it when its serviced. i'll also ask em to pop some injector cleaner in as i am tied between three cars at the mo so am struggling to sort em all out in time

when you say faulty cold start valve or idle air valve , you infer that this may be expensive? Care to expand?

 

[Richard Moakes]

If your ABS light is on all the time, the OVP is definitely your issue for the ABS and the hard starting, hopefully its just the fuse or fuses, failing that you will need a new relay if you are not handy with a soldering iron.

No need to worry about the cold start or idle air valve, they are not working due to the OVP issue

 

[toadheaddesigns]

brilliant, cheers fella

will be doing more on the motor in time, just waitihng on my new haynes manual

 

[toadheaddesigns]

i replaced the fuse today and bingo, all as it should be, runs great, sounds better, and the abs light out!!

thanks for the advice guys

 

[Richard Moakes]

Very pleased for you, enjoy the car