Weird electrical - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Simpler=Better · #1 12-14-2008, 04:59 PM

2weeks blew my passenger lowbeam headlight, replaced it.
Last week fiddled around with the CCU, removed the unit.
Last week I also installed 2 more 21W brake lights(one for each side) in the empty housings. Currently I am not running any bulbs in the sockets.

When I tap my brakes or signal, I lose my brake lights, signals, fuel gauge, temp gauge, and tachometer for a random period of time. This happens when running or parked. The 4way blinker switch operates the 4 blinkers just fine(even if the gauges/lights are shorted while I use it) Using the 4way blinker does not "reset" the gauges/lights.

Also, the passenger lowbeam has blow again recently.

What is going on with my car? I've checked or replaced all the bulbs, none are shorted out. The rear bulb holders are not shorting out either.

leathermang · #2 12-14-2008, 05:02 PM

It is 99 percent probable it is your grounding system...

Simpler=Better · #3 12-21-2008, 10:23 PM

Follow-up
Refreshed the engine->frame ground strap
new 2ga battery->frame ground strap
refreshed all the grounds under the dash
Rebuilt the dash cluster, added groundstrap between panels.

pulled the combo stick, cleaned it with CRC electrical cleaner(plastic safe)
pulled the ignition, disassembled, and cleaned with CRC

Any ideas?

hey_allen · #4 12-22-2008, 06:37 AM

How is your grounding near the tail lights?

That's the only part that I'm not seeing as already worked, right off the bat.

Simpler=Better · #5 12-22-2008, 01:19 PM

Well the ignition switch stopped working after I pulled it-so it's been replaced by a few toggles temporarily.

Then the no-starts began:
0-40 rotatella synthetic(300 miles on it)
new GPs(and everything tests OK)
new air filter(800miles old)
850CCA battery, also jumpered to my roommates idling car
diesel 911 in the bolt-on filter, lines to injector bled.
valves done at around 200k

couldn't get it to start for an hour(on&off)
eventually let the engine cool down, and then shot a small amount of ether post-turbo to get her turning over. She's idling outside with oil pressure at the proper level, and will stay idling until I'm done packing. Then she gets driven home(200miles through the snowbelt) and parked in the shop while i decide if I should part it out or put more $$ into it.

I think I need a new car.

Simpler=Better · #6 12-22-2008, 05:42 PM

After idling outside for ~3hrs the aforementioned problems have gone away. Everything (Including the "blown" headlight)

GRAHHHHHHH*Tears hair out*

PanzerSD · #7 12-22-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

Well the ignition switch stopped working after I pulled it-so it's been replaced by a few toggles temporarily.

Then the no-starts began:
0-40 rotatella synthetic(300 miles on it)
new GPs(and everything tests OK)
new air filter(800miles old)
850CCA battery, also jumpered to my roommates idling car
diesel 911 in the bolt-on filter, lines to injector bled.
valves done at around 200k

couldn't get it to start for an hour(on&off)
eventually let the engine cool down, and then shot a small amount of ether post-turbo to get her turning over. She's idling outside with oil pressure at the proper level, and will stay idling until I'm done packing. Then she gets driven home(200miles through the snowbelt) and parked in the shop while i decide if I should part it out or put more $$ into it.

I think I need a new car.

you need to turn those toggles into 'glow' start engine' and stop engine' switches!

Simpler=Better · #8 01-12-2009, 10:58 PM

I've since gotten her wired up "properly"
I'll get photos when I can.
For fun though, this is what things looked like after leaving it idling for 16hrs in front of a snow bank: