Author Topic: helping a friend with his auto 230sl ?. ho do I raise the idle in drive?  (Read 4033 times)

erickmarciano

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the car idles were well in park but once put in drive it wants to stall.My car is a 4sp so I am not familiar with the automatic ones.
Thnaks
Erick
1994 E500 W124
1971 280sl
1989 Porsche 930 coupe
1988 e30 m3
2001 ducati mh900
2006 ps1000
1962 Vespa GS160

J. Huber

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Hey Erick. This is almost the reverse of a recent thread we just had about too high an idle. Same answer though I think...be sure the linkage is set right, and be certain the Constant Speed Solenoid is adjusted correctly. The "plunger" stop can be screwed in or out so it hits the linkage and holds the idle.

James
63 230SL

Cees Klumper

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It does sound like the Constant Speed Solenoid is the item to focus on here. It could just be out of adjustment but it could also be a wiring problem or other, more serious, malfunction. I replaced mine last year because it did not have enough power anymore. They are relatively expensive (around 500 EUR I believe mine cost) to replace.
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

erickmarciano

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adjusted it and it now works perfectly
Thnaks
1994 E500 W124
1971 280sl
1989 Porsche 930 coupe
1988 e30 m3
2001 ducati mh900
2006 ps1000
1962 Vespa GS160

J. Huber

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  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Cedar Ridge
  • Posts: 3061
It does sound like the Constant Speed Solenoid is the item to focus on here. It could just be out of adjustment but it could also be a wiring problem or other, more serious, malfunction. I replaced mine last year because it did not have enough power anymore. They are relatively expensive (around 500 EUR I believe mine cost) to replace.

Cees, how did you determine yours "did not have enough power?" Mine seems to be laboring. The moment I shift into 4 -- the idle drop precariously low for about 2 seconds (seems like an eternity) --before the CSS plunger finally gets extended. Should it be "quicker?" Is there a way to test its strength? I also notice the little rubber seal is coming apart. There seems to be an "outer ring" and then a smaller seal on the shaft. This one is basically floating. Thanks...
James
63 230SL