Fizz - Pop 190 1.8E

[alanbp]

Strange thing happened to me with my 1993 Merc 190 1.8 E.

Started on the button then drove a few miles to take my son swimming. Left the car fro an hour or so. Got back in and as soon as I turned the ignition key, there was a fizz and smoke started coming from the lower dash area, just around the right of the steering column enclosure, ahead of my right knee area!! Turned the key again and a bit more smoke came out. The starter turned the engine, Fuel Paump kicked in but car wouldn't fire.

Tried a few times but almost firing but not quite. Eventually gave up & called the recovery boys. After an hour or so met them at the car and blow me if it didn't start first time!!! Felt like a real idiot. Proceeded to check lights, all dials etc and everything is working as expected, so not sure what the electrical fizz & smoke was. Tried the car later & it worked perfectly.

My question is, what could have caused the fizz & smoke? and assuming something has fried, why is it not obviously effecting the car now!!!

Wasn't sure if this had happened to other Mercs?

Thanks

Alan

 

[Hibbo]

Take the kick panel off and have a look.

Not sure what's in there on a 190.

 

[Stevie A]

Something is obviously burnt out. It may have joined / welded / melted /itself back together.

I'd check it out immediately.

 

[Stevie A]

To add, resistance has maybe caused the burning. Malcolm knows about these kind of things.

 

[alanbp]

Thanks for the feedback.

Where is the kickback panel? I can have a look and see if I can find what.

Just passed its MOT today, albeait needing two front coil springs and a F O S Brake pipe!! But emmisions etc were all on track so the injection system & ignition appear to be fine!!

Thanks

Alan

 

[alanbp]

Thanks for the feedback.

Where is the kickback panel? I can have a look and see if I can find what.

Just passed its MOT today, albeait needing two front coil springs and a F O S Brake pipe!! But emmisions etc were all on track so the injection system & ignition appear to be fine!!

Thanks

Alan

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
It sounds like when it would,nt 'quite' start that this was fuel starvation so i would check your fuel pump relay and ignition switch to start with, not sure where this relay would be on this car.
But your 'kick' panel is by your feet under the dash just in front of the door peel back the door seal/rubber in that area and their normally fixed with a hidden phillips scew in approx. centre with 2-3 clips as well (my 202 is anyway).

 

[television]

Is it possible that some one had added something and not installed it very well.

I have known cables to be cut when they have become trapped in things like steering locks etc.

You must take off the panel and have a look as the last thing you need is to be on the motorway and it happens again.

malcolm