I have 1991, 190e wont start from ignition, but start if it short the starter?

Question

I have a 1991 190e, 2.3. it wont strart from the ignition, but if I connect starter wires it starts. whats is my problem?

Answer 1

The problem you describe could be a worn ignition switch or a bad safety-neutral switch mounted to the shift lever on the transmission. A faulty safety-neutral switch might let the engine crank in neutral only,although it's designed to crank in the park and neutral positions of the shift lever! Sometimes even a "wiggle with slight pressure on shift lever" will enable you to crank the engine. Caution when doing this!!,the engine could start in reverse or forward gears,have your foot on the brake pedal. If you get starter action doing the above procedure,the safety-neutal switch needs replacement or adjustment(most likely replacement). Shift linkage bushings could also be worn/missing preventing the lever to properly travel to the desired shift positions. To test the igition switch one needs to check for 12-volt's of voltage to the safety-neutral switch connector with the "key" in the start position. I recommend a reputable mercedes exp. tech help you isolate the "root of the starting problem".Good luck!

Answer 2

It's either wiring to the switch or the switch.
I have a 92 model. I generally love the car. But one day, all the tumblers started to jam the ignition switch. I caught it in time, and had it exchanged for a matching one (key remains the same.) My belief is that there are mechanical wear problems that happen with the ignition switch design. I think the damage was about something like $110 US. Good luck.

Answer 3

I bet you drive around with more than a few keys hanging off your key chain. THis extra weight pulls down on the ignition key while you are driving and makes the switch go bad.

The older MB's were notorious that the ignition switch goes bad. From your problem to losing power while driving until they get real bad and the ignition won't allow you to turn the key to start the Car.

90% chance it's your ignition.

Answer 4

I have this same problem, the exact same. The car starts fine then after i drive somewhere it leaves me stranded! It makes a clicking noise but after I let the car sit for a while it starts. I started by changing out the starter from Advance Auto Parts, it kept clicking so the mechanic said it was faulty so i took it back and got another it kept clicking had a fight at advance then took that starter to Auto Zone traded it in for a new one and paid for a new one because they needed the core so I took a loss. Now in a period of a week my car went through 3 starters from 2 different places. At this point I know it's not the starter. The battery was tested, the alternator was tested, the wiring from the battery was changed out so now it has new wiring. The car is still clicking at this point I change mechanics and take the car to Sparks Automotive where they say the car is fine. That it needs the grounding wired cleaned. Then they call back say that they think it's the ignition switch and want to know if I will authorize them to fix it. Has anyone had this same problem and is it possible that it could be the ignition switch? I'm dumbfounded, this has never happened to me before with a car! Any suggestions anyone?

Answer 5

If you have an alarm I bet that's the problem. the factory alarm is in the radio I think Also check the neutral cut out. That will definitely do it! Have you tryed starting it in neutral?

Answer 6

dude, stop and reason it out. It starts from an external method, but not by switch, says bad switch or loose connectors in the general area.grab your probe light grab a brew, and get to searchin

Answer 7

Could be your ingition switch or the relay