This morning I started the 81 and noticed the aux gauges for the WVO (level and temp) weren't working but I just figured the wires must have come off at the tank.
When I got in to take the kids to school (8AM, 25*) I pushed the defrost button and nothing. Nothing at all. I figured the fuse for that part of the console broke. With no time to check or fix I told the DH and took the gass guzzling yukon to work. He took the 81.
He called me just after 8 and said when he slammed the door after getting in, the gauges lit up and the defrost came on.

Any ideas what may have happened???
Thanks!

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Ginny in Denver-ish
78 300SD, 265K (mine)

Loose ground?

John

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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
2002 F250 powerstroke with Plantdrive WVO conversion
1983 300SD 190K miles ,sold
2006 E320 CDI

Worked fine for the DH on the way home that night and then again worked this morning. Strange.

Got a flat this morning on the greasecar. Luckily it was only 1/4 mi from home. Greasecar has no spare.

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Ginny in Denver-ish
78 300SD, 265K (mine)

Loose ground seems a good line to investigate. Start thumping around the dash and see if you can get the defrost to start and stop. Could also be a corroded fuse. See diesel giant's recent write up on fixing the horn circuit for more problems with corroded fuses.

I had a similar problem with the starter and was poking all over the engine compartment for a loose ground and pricing rebuilt starter motors - then found a loose battery terminal. Duh!