Help - Car won't turn off!

[SG1]

Hi all,

Bought a car last week and the engine won't turn off! The ignition seems to have completely gone and doesn't work at all. I've tried disconnecting the battery which doesn't work.

Does anyone know how I can turn the car off as it's just running.

The car is a W124 E36 AMG.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Timster]

Solanoid. At least, that's what the problem was in my old 124

In my diesel there was a cut out switch (Red) under the bonnet I could depress to cut it out.
Of course, if it's a manual you can always stall it.

I'll look for a pic of the switch. Not sure if the petrols have it

 

[trapperjohn]

Very odd. Sorry no. Hope Olly or one of the techies is about the forum this afo.

 

[Timster]

Try this:

 

[Timster]

I suspect you need a shut off valve replacement, however I'm only familiar with the diesels, so might be talking rubbish

Hope this is some help. Good luck​

 

[LTD]

Of course, if it's a manual you can always stall it.

This will be the easiest answer in the short term.

If it's automatic then I hope you don't have a full tank of fuel .....

 

[V12]

Pair of thick rubber gloves and a pair of pliers and pull the king lead off the coil.

The diesel vacuum stop is not applicable on petrols.

Sounds like your ignition switch has gone.

 

[V12]

Other option is clip off the intake pipe by the air mass sensor and hold a towel over the pipe to suffocate the engine.

 

[SG1]

Right I will have a look and see if I can find it.

It's an auto so can't stall it unfortunately.

Thanks for your help!

 

[SG1]

Pair of thick rubber gloves and a pair of pliers and pull the king lead off the coil.

The diesel vacuum stop is not applicable on petrols.

Sounds like your ignition switch has gone.

I've been trying to look for the coil with no luck!

Any idea where it would be located? Thanks

 

[V12]

Sorry I was thinking M103 for some reason, your M104 engine will have 6 coil packs on top of the individual plugs so that won't be so easy, but you can unplug the main engine ECU and that will definitely cut it.

 

[V12]

You have 3 options when stalling a petrol.
Cut spark, fuel or air.

Air would be easiest for you without any tools apart from a flat screwdriver.

Just make sure you hang on to the rag and it doesn't get sucked into the engine.

In your fuse box you may be able to remove a fuse for the fuel pump or for the power supply to the ECU.

 

[SG1]

Sorry I was thinking M103 for some reason, your M104 engine will have 6 coil packs on top of the individual plugs so that won't be so easy, but you can unplug the main engine ECU and that will definitely cut it.

Any idea where the ECU would be? Thanks

 

[V12]

Last thought.
When you disconnect the battery, your alternator is supplying enough power to keep the ECU running.

If you create enough load then the alternator may spike enough to cut out.

So disconnect battery and then put all your lights on full, heater blower on Max, stereo etc and see if you can draw enough power away from the ECU.

 

[V12]

Any idea where the ECU would be? Thanks

Behind the plastic trim behind the battery.

 

[jamesfuller]

I would pull the fuel pump fuse, don't disconnect a powered ecu in case it gets a spike!

 

[V12]

I would pull the fuel pump fuse, don't disconnect a powered ecu in case it gets a spike!

I believe the in built capacitors smooth the voltage and would take care of this no problem

 

[SG1]

Right, the engine is finally off! I choked the air and it cut out eventually.

Thanks for all your help!

Now I just need to look into what the problem was and get it sorted. Lovely car to drive and much more responsive and notably faster than the 320.

 

[V12]

Yep, I'm very jealous. Drove my first E36 coupe almost 10 years ago and it's still one vehicle I lust after!!!

Shouldn't be major, ignition switch is a common problem on cars once they get this old. Not difficult to change as long as the key still turns the ignition barrel.

 

[SG1]

Yep, I'm very jealous. Drive my first E36 coupe almost 10 years ago and it's still one vehicle I lust after!!!

Shouldn't be major, ignition switch is a common problem on cars once they get this old. Not difficult to change as long as the key still turns the ignition barrel.

I've always wanted one, I already have a 320 Sportline cabriolet but couldn't resist when I saw this one! It still turns without any problems.