I took the ultimate (um, stupid) chance and bought a vehicle on E-bay, sight unseen. I had a friend pick it up for me. He said drives well, no smoking, great. All lights and gauges (except gas gauge) worked when he started up. Stopped to fill it up and all was fine.

Driving along, hit a bump. Then no radio, oh no lights, oh no electrical at all. The car is at an import mechanic that says they do not do electrical work - many hundreds of miles from me. My friend says the battery cable connector was fine. I can talk with the mechanic on Monday.

This is my first MBZ. What do I ask the mechanic to look for and check 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc...? What is most likely to have come loose to cause such total loss of electric?

PLEASE ANY THOUGHTS COULD BE USEFUL.

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR IMPARTING YOUR VAST STORES OF KNOWLEDGE.

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82 300 TDT almost here
91 VW Jetta diesel - 20K+ on WVO
89 VW Jetta diesel

Hey Flowerpower. That is a difficult spot when you are at long distance from your broken down vehicle. And being you just bought it, you don't have a clue to the problem. Of course you could check back with the seller and see if he/she has any idea or knowledge of the problem. But I just don't think it is going to be too serious. A big failure like that is usually pretty easy to identify and I would say, if it is in a shop Monday, work with the mechanic(s) and see what they suggest. Now if they won't touch it because they don't do electrical, then they might be able to direct you or even have it towed to a shop that will work on it. But lean on them just a little, right where it is. If you are reasonable with them on the phone, I'll bet that they will do there best to help you.

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Junqueyardjim
Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C.S. Lewis



1983 Mercedes W123 240D 4 Speed 285,000 on the road with a 617 turbo, beautiful butter yellow, license plate # 83 240D INDIANA

2003 Jaguar Type X, AWD. beautiful, good mileage,
Mom's car, but I won't let her drive it!

that's basically my plan, so I appreciate your reaffirmation. I hope you are correct as I also *suspect* that it is something easily diagnosed. but you're so right, it's nearly impossibel for me to get more info as my friend who picked it up is not very mechanically inclined. so i guess the best bet is to be as nice as possible to a mechanic on a monday morning.

any other similar situations that people have had would be helpful. anything tricky about where the battery/alternator hook in to the fuses?

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82 300 TDT almost here
91 VW Jetta diesel - 20K+ on WVO
89 VW Jetta diesel

Where is the car? Maybe there is a diesel forum member close by who can help.

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

There is a terminal block on the right side fender well, in the engine compartment. Forward of the battery and just behind the coolant reservoir. That should be the first thing to look at. Then check the cable to the fuse box, which is on the firewall in front of the driver. If you lost power to everything, it pretty much has to be one of those connections or associated wiring.

Almost everything is powered from the fuse box. But the starter and glow plugs are not. By chance, does the starter work? Or does the pre-glow indicator lamp come on?

Something else to keep in mind. If you can get the car started by hotwiring it, it will run without an electrical system. Of course, no lights, a/c, power windows or windshield wipers. But you might be able to get the car home.

that's exactly the kind of info I needed. not sure if she starts. my friend didn't think to try again before he left. will find out tomorrow. thanks for the couple of tidbits of 'where to look first'.

car is in Boston at Mike's Auto, wherever that is. i'm hoping that it's the big and simple stuff. I don't think I can drive all the way back to WI without electric. well, I probably could for the challenge of it. but my friend who is supposed to meet me with it in Pittsburgh won't be into the challenge I'm sure.

you all are great. and the internets ain't so bad afterall.

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82 300 TDT almost here
91 VW Jetta diesel - 20K+ on WVO
89 VW Jetta diesel

Is there anyone in the Boston area who could swing by Mike's Auto and see if this poor chap is still stuck there?

Also check and see if the body ground cable is in reasonable condition...that could be the source of your problems.

Definitely check the ground first. Even if it looks good take it off and clean the surfaces and reattach. Eliminate the simple stuff.