kimoclutter

My newly acquired 1994 S320 runs and drives Ok, but here are my problems.
1st Symptoms:
Without touching anything, the check engine light (CEL) came on and all the service lights on the instrument cluster worked. Plugged in my OBD ll reader and retrived 2 codes, P1444 and P1342. After checking what they meant I erased them and the CEL went off and read "No Codes". Drove the car for 2-3 cycles and the CEL came on and read same codes. Repeated this a few times with same results. Checked connections to Purge Solenoid (P1444) and Cam Solenoid (P1342) and found engine wiring harness insulation deterioated and falling apart and bare wires now rubbing together. Seperated wires as best as possible.
2nd Symptoms:
Car started and ran as before-OK. CEL won't light and now most of the service lights won't light in #2 key position before starting. Connected OBD ll reader and now reads "Link Error" (failure to communicate). Disconnected battery and replaced original engine wiring harness with brand new one @ $500+. Car starts and run as before but has same symptoms ( CEL out and several service lights out and "Link Error").
My questions:
1. Did I zap the ECM/ECU?
2. Will the car run with a bad ECM/ECU?
3. Is it time to take it and have MB Star Diagnistic at the 38 pin X11/4 connector?
I'm just trying to get it through California Smog so I can get the Title.
Any help would be greatly appricated.
Thanks in advance.

kimoclutter

I went and re-checked the main fuse panel and found #24 7.5 amp fuse blown. Replace fuse and Service Lights worked and OBD ll reader functioning again. Now onto my original problem with the CEL and code P1444. I think the "Change Over Valve" is malfunctioning.

napaAl

Good move checking the fuse.
I've been hearing about engine wire deterioration (insulation) a lot lately. So far my '96 is o.k.
I noticed the wires that run along with the vaccum tubing and plug wires under that cool looking cover are going to crack. I've replaced the spaghetti (vacuum) tube already.
Good luck.

kimoclutter

UPDATE: Problems solved, passed Smog


After replacing wiring harness with a new one, which it needed, CEL & Code P1444 still existed.
Remover Crossover Valve for EGR/AIR Pump and checked it both electrically and with vacuum and seemed OK to me, but replaced it anyway with good used one off the internet for $30. CEL & Code P1444 still existed.
Went to local MB Dealer for the dreaded SDS diagnostic check but they wanted $330 to just do a diagnostic, 3hr minimum. No Way!
Finally looked around somemore and found a vacuum line L connection, buried behind the vacuum check valve located under the throttle valve, disconnected from its nipple on the intake manifold. (This line went to another crossover valve under the cover on the drivers side of the engine compartment) Re-attached connection and cleared P1444 and CEL went out and didn't come back on after driving around the neighborhood and cycling it off and restarting many times.
Went and had Smog Inspection and it passed.
Mailed 10 pages of paper work to DMV to get the Title.Praying all the i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed.

Just some notes: Used a Actron Pocket Scan Plus ODB ll code reader attached to the port located under a little cover on the left side of the steering column. I think the 1994 S320's were the first ones to have the ODB ll capabilities. Most other cars started in 1996. Inspection today and mailed paper work to DMV.

RAB749

Where is the OBD port located on a 1997 SL280?

RAB749

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