[W126 Coupe] 380 died :-( Thank you

[Ingrid Hagstrom]

Firstly, thanks to all of you you who responded - I really appreciate 
it.  Thanks to the mbcoupes group as a whole - to me, it is a wonderful 
thing that a group of enthusiasts could keep this resource operating for 
so long, and be so willing to share your time & knowledge.

The car is home- my brother & I  didn't look at it yesterday, because 
the Cooma Motor Fest was on (link below, if anyone is interested).  So, 
today, we will start the diagnostic process.

http://www.coomacarclub.com.au/Motorfest_2011.php

In response to Gerry below, I have not checked all the fuses yet, but 
will do that today.

The dash did NOT light up.  The only unusual behavior c. 7 minutes prior 
to the car conking out was that the CD player cut out, then came on 
again (several times), and the aerial retracted.  I turned the CD it off.

Re the ignition control box:  An auto electrician I met at the autofest 
yesterday also suggested that as a possibility.  He also suggested that 
I check the fuel pump relay.

I'll  let you know the results - it may be a couple of days.

BTW, I used to have a 72 VW beetle that had a habit of dying when 
running. The problem was finally diagnosed as alternator.  The symptoms 
are not quite the same as in the Merc - the VW's dash warning lights did 
come on.

Once again, thanks to all.

Ingrid
Cooma, Australia
380SEC



On 06/11/2011 05:00, Gerry Van Zandt wrote:

> There are very few things that would make a running engine die: 

>  ignition control box, dead coil, etc.

>

> First of all, the basics.  Did you check your fuses? ALL of your 

> fuses?  Turn each of them in their fuse holders at least 360 degrees?

>

> Did any lights light up on your dash (ABS, Battery lamp, etc.) just 

> prior to when the car conked out?  Usually when your dash lights light 

> up like a Christmas tree, then you know your alternator has died and 

> you're running off the battery (and you can usually go for quite some 

> time on the battery as long as you turn off your lights, radio, etc.). 

>  The OVP is another culprit here.

>

> But I don't think any of that is your problem.  I'd check your 

> ignition control box. To me, that's the most logical culprit.  Then 

> your coil.

>

> With regard to not starting, also check your neutral safety switch - 

> it sits between the battery and starter and controls the flow of 

> electricity to the starter.  Often times when it's failing it will 

> allow you to start when in Neutral, but not in Park.

>

> Good luck!

>

> Cheers,

> Gerry

>

>

>

> On Nov 5, 2011, at 11:15 AM, mbcoupes-request at mbcoupes.com 

> <mailto:mbcoupes-request at mbcoupes.com> wrote:

>

>>

>> My 380SEC died as I was driving home yesterday afternoon (fortunately, I

>> could pull off the road, AND I was within walking distance of home ).

>> Preliminary investigation suggests electrical and/or starter motor -

>> when I turn the ignition key, I here a series of clicks, but nothing

>> further.  We checked the battery with a voltmeter - full charge, drops

>> slightly when the ignition is turned.

>>

>> Any ideas?

>>

>> Cheers,

>>

>> Ingrid

>> Cooma, Australia

>> 380SEC

>

>

>

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