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Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

A problem started, as I ran low of gas one evening. I stopped at a station, put some fuel in, and while on the freeway the engine completely shut off. I coasted to a stop, and it wouldn't turn over, as if it was out of fuel.
Long story short, I got it home and checked the fuel pump amperage, spark ignition and finally the fuel pump relay. I switched a "good" relay I had with the old one, and suddenly it worked! So, I thought, "well it's just the relay," and replaced it. Strangely enough the cruise control that was mysteriously broken, worked again.
Anyways, I thought it was fixed, when the exact same thing happened again. The engine shut off, and it wouldn't start again. After waiting and trying, it somehow turned over, and I drove it home.
Now the strange thing is that recently while on the way to a parts store, (yes, I was still driving it)I noticed the rear defroster turned on,(even though I didn't turn it on) and the right directional was also "stuck" on, not even pulsating. The rear brake light bulb-warning light on the dash panel, also started showing. I pulled over to re-set the system, by turning the ignition off and on again. The dash panel, directional and rear defroster stayed on, even with the key off.
Well, I drove home and shut it off, and after a few seconds, everything finally shut down like it should.
So, what is it now? The ignition, or a wiring harness? After all the electrical malfunctions, I kind of ruled out the fuel pump as a problem, but what might it be? Any help would be appreciated.

89' 245 DL B230 5spd normal aspiration








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    Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

    Turns out there was a melted mass of wires under the driver's side floor board. A shorted wire going to the license plate light, was burning everything up and fusing itself to the sheet metal up by the left rear tire well.
    Those mysterious conditions were brought on by surges and shorts. No ECU, no ignition, but a pain in the neck. So, I think I got lucky depending on how you look at it.








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      Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

      Hi,


      Sorry to hear about the chassis harness damage. Maybe improper fusing was to blame? Hope you find it a repair that is not too viscous.


      Goatman








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    hmmmm 200 1989

    Remember that right turn signal that I was talking about? It works "normal" now, except for the fact that the car only starts and runs with it on. It flashes intermittently, but now I can hear the fuel pump humming along with it. Almost as if it's connected to the directional and it's operation is in sync.
    But, where is this gremlin coming from? A crossed wire? I'll check my schematics and see, but if anyone knows anything let me know.








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    Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

    My guess would be the ignition switch, as I have had similar problems and have ruled out the usual suspects, i.e. fuel pump, battery, coil, etc. The ignition switch on 240s is nearing 20 years old or more, thousands of starts, and eventually the contacts in the switch go bad. You might try reaching under the dash, drivers side, and see if you can feel the ignition plug, which sometimes comes loose from the rotary switch. It is round with lots of wires and just plugs in to switch, maybe it has come loose slightly. When the car starts infrequently, and you know the battery is good, coil ok and you have good fuel, you must consider the ignition switch as the first part of the starting system.

    Jay
    84 245 GLTi 235k
    88 740 GLE 220k








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      Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

      Not the ignition switch.
      Transplanted a good one in, and subsequently the right directional/fuel pump buzz stopped. Yet, the directional kind of "hangs" on for a second when cranking.
      I'm thinking it's gotta be the fuel pump. Hopefully it's the one NOT in the tank. I'll probably do the filter too, just for Schlitz and giggles. I my hope testing won't point it back to the ECU. $$$$








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        Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

        Hello,


        The story you tell is quite interesting.

        You should apply a potential directly to the fuel pump harness. Lift the trunk carpet and remove the plastic guard. Be sure to inspect the chassis ground at this location, It is crucial to vehicle operation under certain conditions. After through observation, remove the access panel and examine the three wires of the fuel tank sender..

        You may operate the tank fuel pump brusquely, but be certain not to energize the fuel level sender with electricity. This is the gray wire that enters the unit accessible through the access opening. Inspect the brown ground wire and associated terminal connection, this is a ground for the tank pump. The black wire is the positive pole of the tank pump.

        When powered, either fuel pump noise will be unmistakable and quite distinct with a quiet tonal whirring being most desirable.


        Goatman








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    Fuel delivery/ignition/electrical woes 200 1989

    Good Evening,


    I've heard here especially that 1989 Bosch Fuel Computers are faulty with the pink label.

    The article mentioned failure to hold the pump relay latched.


    Goatman







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