Author Topic: CSS constantly engaged  (Read 1407 times)

Hollson

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CSS constantly engaged
« on: July 26, 2020, 11:37:45 »
Hi all

   I need help with my 230 sl auto

  The css is free moving with ignition off , but once ignition is on or car is running it’s fully engaged (out)

    Car cuts out when I turn on air con

 Any help / advice would be much appreciated 👍

Cees Klumper

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Re: CSS constantly engaged
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2020, 13:37:50 »
I would look into the solenoids on the transmission that govern the CSS. If it was running correctly before, those solenoids seem like a more likely cause than the wiring.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

stickandrudderman

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Re: CSS constantly engaged
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2020, 14:01:35 »
Remove both wires from the CSS, determine which one is the power supply and re-connect it. The remaining wire is the one that goes to earth via the hydraulic switches on the transmission. You should find that the  CSS is no longer extended (or at least is free to compress). Assuming that to be the case then you have proved that you have a switched earth problem which will either be the wiring (commonly they are incorrectly installed at the terminal block on the lower left side of the bell housing) or one or both of your pressure switches are stuck in the closed position.
Re-connect the earth wire at the CSS and disconnect the wire from the right hydraulic switch. If the solenoid is now de-energised then you know that it is this switch that is permanently closed (once you've check for correct connections as described). If it's still energised then disconnect the wire at the left switch and observe same. If the CSS is energised with both wires disconnected then you have a false earth connection somewhere.
« Last Edit: July 28, 2020, 10:29:45 by stickandrudderman »

Hollson

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Re: CSS constantly engaged
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2020, 00:48:27 »
Thank you for the info.

Makes sense  I will have a look over the weekend and see if I can figure it out

Much appreciated

FresnoBob

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Re: CSS constantly engaged
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2020, 17:00:21 »
I had the same problem, which turned out to be one of the wires to the switches was grounding to the mounting plate.  Some heat shrink tubing fixed the issue well. 
Bob Comstock
1966 230 SL Euro Auto
2017 AMG C43 Cabriolet