E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

Hard Cold Start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 07:00 AM
  #1  
kenshaaka's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
w124 e280 1994
Hard Cold Start

When I start my Car cant idle until when it warn. So I have to step the gas until when the temperature needle nudges to around 40 then I can let go of the pedal. Otherwise it shuts down. Recently changed plugs and fuel filter. What could the issue be?
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 11:12 AM
  #2  
jmoney6's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: stamford, CT
1993 Mercedes 300e 4-matic (m103 motor)
voltage relay..Located by the bttery.silver rectangle with red top and 2 fuses on top/
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 12:01 PM
  #3  
RBYCC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 17
From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Cold start valve
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 01:36 PM
  #4  
shdoug's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I nominate the idle control valve. The cold start should not be active when the key is released from the start position, right?
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 02:19 PM
  #5  
RBYCC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 17
From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Originally Posted by shdoug
I nominate the idle control valve. The cold start should not be active when the key is released from the start position, right?
I believe the cold start enrichens until the temp sensor takes it out of the circuit.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 02:57 PM
  #6  
appatula's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
The cold start valve is powered by the fuel pump relay. From the diagram it does look like the coil wire in the fuel pump relay is activated by the ignition switch at position 3 upon starting. Thus the Cold start valve seems to be actuated upon starting action only (when starter motor is actuated). Idle control valve may be the legitimate gremlin in this case?
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 04:06 PM
  #7  
RBYCC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 17
From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Originally Posted by appatula
The cold start valve is powered by the fuel pump relay. From the diagram it does look like the coil wire in the fuel pump relay is activated by the ignition switch at position 3 upon starting. Thus the Cold start valve seems to be actuated upon starting action only (when starter motor is actuated). Idle control valve may be the legitimate gremlin in this case?

The cold start valve gives about an 8 second shot depending on ambient temperature.
Acts like a choke in a carburetor.
Enrichens enough to stabilize idle until the temp warms up.

I reread the OP and noticed the vehicle is a 1995 which would have HFM injection.

HFM doesn't have the cold start or idle control that is used on the CIS-E.
It has a mass air flow sensor
HFM is fully electronic.

My comments were to the CIS-E
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 07:20 PM
  #8  
appatula's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
ahhhhh see what happens when I think everyone rolls in a 86' 300E!!! haha, while on the subject however would my assumption be correct pertaining to a CIS-E injection like mine, or there is a 8 second timer? Where is this in the schematic or is it a signal sent from the KE control unit?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 08:30 PM
  #9  
shdoug's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
Originally Posted by RBYCC
The cold start valve gives about an 8 second shot depending on ambient temperature.
Acts like a choke in a carburetor.
Enrichens enough to stabilize idle until the temp warms up.

I reread the OP and noticed the vehicle is a 1995 which would have HFM injection.

HFM doesn't have the cold start or idle control that is used on the CIS-E.
It has a mass air flow sensor
HFM is fully electronic.

My comments were to the CIS-E
I didn't notice that it was a '95, either. Then your comment about the cold start valve distracted me as well. So we've probably helped someone else with a different car but with HFM, what do you think about the Temp Sensor? I'm thinking it could give a false reading and make the controls think the engine is already partially warmed up.
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2007 | 10:49 PM
  #10  
YNVDIZW124's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,849
Likes: 3
From: Long Beach, Ca
lots of cars
I would think it would be easier to find out what's the problem with his car because he could check for codes. That's the first thing I would do..

Hey I roll in an 86 300e <<<---- LOOK..lol....There aren't many of us left....

If he has a m103 engine It should be the CIS Temp Sensor at the rear of the engine. If he has a m104 then i really have no idea where this would be...

On mine i have 2 temp sensors the green one in the middle of the engine but the important one is the one at the rear with the two posts on it. That's the one that controls how rich or how lean it is on starts.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2007 | 01:31 AM
  #11  
appatula's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 1
From: Connecticut, New Haven
95' AMG SeeThreeSix
not to steal the thread but where is this sensor in the rear that conrols mixture upon startup? I have a cold start issue and am trying to compile a list of things to replace and ive never heard of this sensor
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2007 | 02:25 AM
  #12  
YNVDIZW124's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,849
Likes: 3
From: Long Beach, Ca
lots of cars
This tells the computer when the car is cold or hot and controls the idle speed. If your car idles around 800-900 when it's cold then it means it's working. If your car only wants to start when it's warm then it means this is not working. The green temp sensor is for the aux fan and the temp gauge and has nothing to do with the cold start part of it.


Last edited by YNVDIZW124; Nov 8, 2007 at 02:27 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2007 | 07:45 AM
  #13  
RBYCC's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,494
Likes: 17
From: REHOBOTH BEACH DE
88-300CE TWIN TURBO, 99-C43, 05-G55K, 71-280SL, 94-E320 CAB, 08 CLK63 BLACK SERIES
Originally Posted by appatula
ahhhhh see what happens when I think everyone rolls in a 86' 300E!!! haha, while on the subject however would my assumption be correct pertaining to a CIS-E injection like mine, or there is a 8 second timer? Where is this in the schematic or is it a signal sent from the KE control unit?
The enrichment doesn't really come into the starting circuit unless the water temp is less then 20deg C. ( 68F).
The temp sensor ( via KE control unit ) cuts it out once the water temp exceeds this setting.
Max time to reach this water temp is calculated by MB at around 8 seconds.
Reply
Old Nov 8, 2007 | 01:09 PM
  #14  
shadowgriffen's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 0
From: Boston
is a German Tank
All this reading is giving me a headache

Reply
Old Nov 8, 2007 | 01:13 PM
  #15  
shadowgriffen's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 0
From: Boston
is a German Tank
Originally Posted by jmoney6
voltage relay..Located by the bttery.silver rectangle with red top and 2 fuses on top/
two fuses??? I've only replaced one and have only seen one

Anyway, I put my money on the relay as well.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 01:06 AM
  #16  
kenshaaka's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
w124 e280 1994
Recently Changed the Relay. Could it be at fault again? My Mechanic doesn't have the cable for these cars otherwise I would check the codes. Does anyone know where I can get the cable? I could hook it up to my laptop since I have Carsoft.
Reply
Old Nov 9, 2007 | 11:05 AM
  #17  
shadowgriffen's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 0
From: Boston
is a German Tank
Originally Posted by kenshaaka
Recently Changed the Relay. Could it be at fault again? My Mechanic doesn't have the cable for these cars otherwise I would check the codes. Does anyone know where I can get the cable? I could hook it up to my laptop since I have Carsoft.
Have you jumped started the car lately? Regardless, you should check out the FUSE instead, could very well be.

It doesnt hurt to look, it'll take you five minutes the most.
Reply
Old Nov 11, 2007 | 11:39 PM
  #18  
kenshaaka's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
w124 e280 1994
Originally Posted by shadowgriffen
Have you jumped started the car lately? Regardless, you should check out the FUSE instead, could very well be.

It doesnt hurt to look, it'll take you five minutes the most.
Yes I recently jump started the car. Which fuse should I check?
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2007 | 08:39 AM
  #19  
shadowgriffen's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,094
Likes: 0
From: Boston
is a German Tank
Originally Posted by kenshaaka
Recently Changed the Relay. Could it be at fault again? My Mechanic doesn't have the cable for these cars otherwise I would check the codes. Does anyone know where I can get the cable? I could hook it up to my laptop since I have Carsoft.
Check the OVP relay fuse, even if they've replaced it.

Jumping the car can blow the fuse, hence the OVER VOLTAGE.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:12 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE