all 4 of my power windows (and wipers) stopped working on my '81 300sd. i replaced the necessary fuses and both the front windows and the rear passenger window started working again. (the wipers didn't) but as i was driving an "electrical" smell was coming from the drivers side. i removed the window relay fuse and it went away (it had also burned down quite a bit, if that is the proper terminology!)

does this mean that there is something wrong with the wires? is that where i should start and does anyone have step by step instructions on troubleshooting this?

thanks! have a beautiful day!

Safe to start at your negative post on battery and be sure all connections are clean and tight... meaning where they go to the engine and the body... see if that clears it up first... because that is the lowest portion of the diagnostic tree....
See that your positive side wires are good also...

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Then prune any dead branches...

__________________
My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

Usually better to solder dead branches...

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Then prune any dead branches...

__________________
My occupational hazard bein'
my occupation's just not around...
1980 300SD
1980 300SD

ok, so we checked both negative and positive connections and followed them out from the battery and everything seems to be good, should i look at the fuse box next? if so how should i go about it?