If I could challenge my CCU to a fight, I would...
 

Yesterday, I learned:

...how to take out the blower motor...test it (works fine)...put it back in...lose screws for dash panel...curse...find screws...rejoice...

...how to take the CCU unit out...take it totally apart (thanks to the Wikka)... clean everything...how to solder (started out practicing on some of my kids toys) circuit boards on the CCU...burn finger...curse...drop solder iron on kitchen table...hear wife curse...

...how to search the web in an effort to understand how electricity works...read up on testing, only to lose my mind when trying to track down the culprit on my CCU...

...how to go to bed defeated, knowing that I'll be defrosting my windshield on Monday with a hair dryer and extension cord...and packing a blanket in the passenger seat to try and keep warm on my commute...:eek:

Back at it today. :cool:

After you screw around for 50 hours with various old units from e-bay, you finally come to the conclusion that $220 for a rebuilt unit with a warranty is absolutely worth the price paid.

Haha! Couldn't agree more. When I started yesterday morning, I was CONVINCED I would get it to work w/o buying a new unit. Now that my self-esteem balloon is running on empty, I'm reconsidering. :)

Sometimes you can.......sometimes you can't.......but you always spend way more time than the equivalent cost of the rebuild with no guarantee of success.

This approach only works for those who absolutely cannot afford the rebuild.

Oh...by the way, Brian...I implemented your EGR/engine bay clean up yesterday too. Thanks.

Well, you may have lost your mind, and went to bed defeated, but you graduated into the ranks of "tough SOB" for giving it the 'ol fashioned yankee effort...
Congrats, and best wishes!

The trick is a 10 watt soldering iron, a digital multimeter, and patience. I just did the CCU on my 300SD. It was a bear, but you feel good afterwards. I found three traces burned out on the board and used small bits of wire to replace them. I just gave two working 12 pin CCUs to John Hef -- ask him for one :D

Thank you, sir. Never felt so good to be called an SOB. ;)

Got one.

Got one.

Um...not so much. At least, not any more. :P

You, my friend, are a better man than I. I have new appreciation for your efforts after yesterday.

Cheers.

Check out Peter's website and prices. I have purchased two Cruise control units from him and he does great work and is an honest guy to deal with.

http://www.gdl-online.com/begin.html.

John ;)