The 190E fails to start.

[Squirrrel]

My 1991 1.8 190E fails to start.
Since I acquired it, it has operated without issues, but it required many attempts to start.
I attempted to start it the other morning; it turned over but failed to ignite. After adding additional gasoline, it made another attempt to start, but thereafter, the engine ceased to turn over.

I can perceive the fuel pump initiating and operating, but I do not believe I can detect the starter engaging.

I suspect that either the solenoid is jammed or defective, or the starter is malfunctioning.

I am having difficulty finding both of them under the automobile.

I have observed that tapping the starter while it is being engaged may initiate its operation; however, this is really a temporary solution, if it is effective at all.
I am unable to locate the starter.

Do you have any insights about the situation?

[Squirrrel]

I disconnected the fuel pump relay and attempted to start the engine, suspecting it may have been flooded from prior efforts, but to no avail.

[Mezuzzi]

Does not engage, indicating that when the key is turned:
1) There is no audible response from the starter, not even a click. a) Shift the vehicle into neutral and attempt to start again; the issue may be related to the safety switch. b) Ensure that your battery is completely charged, since sufficient amperage is required to activate the starting.
The engine does not rotate despite a clicking sound; the starter solenoid is likely functioning properly.
a) Ensure your battery is fully charged, as sufficient amperage is required to activate the starter. b) Inspect ground connections for corrosion and verify that all components are properly grounded. c) Attempt to manually rotate the engine using a breaker bar on the crankshaft or by turning the power steering pump while applying pressure to the belt to confirm that the engine is not seized.

If it is a 1.8, the starter should be visible positioned on the side of the engine next to the gearbox, accessible from either under the vehicle or from under the hood. It is a tiny engine.

[Squirrrel]

Thank you for your response.

The battery cannot be the issue, since I purchased a new one today and there was no difference; also, I maintain it on a battery keeper.

I believe I neglected to say that all dashboard lights and headlights function when I turn the key.

I am uncertain if I detect a click, since I can hear the gasoline pump but am unsure whether there are any more sounds.
If I do not hear a click, would it indicate a potential issue with the solenoid?

[AmericaMonster]

Ensure that the selector transitions into the park position correctly before initiating the start, if it is automated.

Perhaps consider posting a little video clip? 🙂

[Squirrrel]

It is manual; I will attempt to get a satisfactory video tomorrow.

[AmericaMonster]

Engage the gear and provide a forceful push, shifting it slightly forward before attempting to start the engine again (out of gear, of course!).

[Mezuzzi]

If it is a manual gearbox, get several pals to assist in bump starting it. You will ascertain if the engine operates.

[HolyRoach]

If this were my possession, I would locate the starting motor and the solenoid attached to it, clean its spade connection, and attempt to start again. If there is still no success, I would detach the connection and use a jumper wire from the battery's positive terminal to make contact with the solenoid tag. If the solenoid and starter are functioning properly, the engine should crank. If the starting is malfunctioning but the solenoid is functional, there should be sparks when the wire contacts the terminal. If the solenoid is nonfunctional, anticipate no starting engagement or sparks.
Exercise extreme caution to avoid entanglement with the front drives (e.g., fan) if the engine engages; deactivate the ignition and/or fuel for enhanced safety.
If either clearing the connection or using a jumper to brush the starter resolves the issue, the problem lies upstream.

[JamesStv]

albeit it is automated. Disregard the P/N lockout switch. Utilise a voltmeter or a 12V bulb to verify the presence of 12V at the solenoid terminal during the starting process. If such is the case, the wiring up to that point is functioning properly, indicating that the solenoid is probably the issue.

[JamesStv]

http://www.seekic.com/uploadfile/ic-circuit/201312101247309.gif

[NameInterest]

This is the 1.8; few were produced.

[Ziinsig]

Have you examined the cold start relay?

[AmericaMonster]

They produced several units of these; they are almost identical to the 2.0 in all respects, with a standard 8v M102 engine.

[VibrantShin]

It is possible that you have a defective or degraded ignition switch, which may result in a poor connection in the start position. Test for 12 volts at the solenoid terminal while attempting to start, as recommended. Is an aftermarket alarm installed?