just bought a 1984 300 D - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

zu! · #1 12-11-2007, 11:13 AM

Hello folks:

Just a little background history here. My Dad used to drive a cream mercedes diesel. I can't remember what model, but I knew he had to turn the key, look at the dash really intently, his hands right through the steering wheel to some kinda switch on the dash...then when the light went off, he'd pull this plunger-looking thing and the car would fire up. Yep, I still remember the squeaks those seats made whenever you sat in them!

Fast forward now, I just got my OWN mercedes diesel, an 84 (must be newer than my dad's) with 380 + k on the clock. I've already run into an issue with it and I'm hoping some of you experienced fellas would just say: Oh that problem, its not really a problem

Anyway, when I had parked in the garage, I decided to try all the lights. Everything worked, even the courtesy light. I then decided to try the Hazard light, and it blinked all of once, went out, taking the courtesy light with it.

Hunted everywhere for the fusebox, finally found it, checked all the fuses, all looked good, and tried the switch again. This time it made a noise much like a series of quick farts (I don't know how else to describe this!)

and no lights. As my fingers were already freezing from the cold in the unheated garage, I gave up.

Any ideas anyone?

#2 12-11-2007, 11:15 AM

Sounds like its time for a new/used flasher. It is under the center console right below the ashtray. Remove the wood panel around the shifter and you will see it. There should be a screw at the back of the wood by the arm rest carpet, take that screw out, pull back/lift up, unplug your switches and the wood will come free.

rrgrassi · #3 12-11-2007, 11:19 AM

Sounds like the flasher relay, and IIRC, it should have nothing to do with the dome lights, unless they are on the same fuse. The fuses may "look" good, but can actually be bad. You need to remove and clean all of them, and check them with a continuity or voltage test.

LUVMBDiesels · #4 12-11-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

Sounds like the flasher relay, and IIRC, it should have nothing to do with the dome lights, unless they are on the same fuse. The fuses may "look" good, but can actually be bad. You need to remove and clean all of them, and check them with a continuity or voltage test.

I would replace all the fuses. It is cheap insurance as they can go bad and still look OK. I just do them all about every three years.

Anyway congrats on the car! You have now joined the dark side.

I would also suggest joining your local MB club. The local chapters are a great way to meet fellow addicts and to really get to know your car.

zu! · #5 12-11-2007, 11:31 AM

Gosh that was quick! Thanks guys! I'll go check the fuses again when I get home tonight. I think it was the number 4 fuse and the paper inside did indicate that was for the hazard light. I couldn't take out the fuse (frozen fingers) but I'll figure out how. And/or get a new flasher.

TheDon · #6 12-11-2007, 11:33 AM

your dad probably drove a W115 240D or 300D with the "gorilla knob" pull start

P.E.Haiges · #7 12-11-2007, 11:49 AM

zu,

It also could have a 190D or 200D. There were what are called the fin MB due to the pointed back fenders. They were made 1961 thru 1968

P E H

zu! · #8 12-11-2007, 12:12 PM

hmmm. I can't remember the number, but I remember that the headlights were the vertical types, and it was a right-hand drive. All the long-distance taxis were mercedes, peugeot and renault diesels. But yeah, the "gorilla knob" is a great way to describe it! What a way to start a car, eh?

TheDon · #9 12-11-2007, 12:39 PM

vertical lights... well. thats anything from a W115 and back

zu! · #10 12-11-2007, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the welcome guys! And yes, as soon as I get some winter tires on her, I'm taking her to work. Local MB clubs eh? Hmmm, I'll have to investigate that...they'd probably know a quick (and cheap!) local source for parts and other sundries like the fuses you mention. I remember buying fuses for my other car at Canadian Tire and being sticker-shocked by the prices!! I think it was like $15 for 3 fuses or something like that. They can't be that expensive. However, I was desperate, So... yes, changing them now before the go is the best way to go!

Aaron · #11 12-11-2007, 03:58 PM

Flasher and dome lights should both be powered through that relay on your car. R&R the relay.

zu! · #12 12-11-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron

Flasher and dome lights should both be powered through that relay on your car. R&R the relay.

OK thanks for all the suggestions - you guys are really great, and I'm glad I joined this community

.

So anyway, I got home, and decided to fire her up, since she hadn't been driven for a day. Now I'm just guessing, as the gauge cluster on this Benz has seen better days, but I only had to wait something just 5 seconds before the light on the extreme right (I assume the glowplug light) went off, indicating that I can start the car up. So start the car I did, and it started right up, no problem.

Now here's where it gets interesting: Out of curiosity I flipped the switch on the hazard light and it worked!!

Flipped the courtesy light and that worked too!!?

So are these switches controlled by some vacuum thing that only goes on after the engine goes on? I poked around the engine, and noticed that most of the black tubes (vacuum lines, I assume) are pretty good condition and quite soft. Not very good eh...most times one would need the hazard light when broken down or stopped at the side of the road. Geez I really need to get a manual

. Any ideas?

toomany MBZ · #13 12-11-2007, 11:26 PM

Switches work sometimes, not others, may need cleaning, or replacing.
FSM's available at mbusa.com
Switches are NOT vac controlled, electrical.
Try and find benz lover, he lives in BC also.

TheDon · #14 12-11-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zu!

Thanks for the welcome guys! And yes, as soon as I get some winter tires on her, I'm taking her to work. Local MB clubs eh? Hmmm, I'll have to investigate that...they'd probably know a quick (and cheap!) local source for parts and other sundries like the fuses you mention. I remember buying fuses for my other car at Canadian Tire and being sticker-shocked by the prices!! I think it was like $15 for 3 fuses or something like that. They can't be that expensive. However, I was desperate, So... yes, changing them now before the go is the best way to go!

I think the Mercedes Benz Club of America has in international section...

Fuses for these cars are soo cheap... how cheap are they? I made some into a necklace.. thats how cheap

rrgrassi · #15 12-11-2007, 04:11 PM

Make sure you get the ceramic bodies fuses. The plastic ones tend to melt before the fuse blows.