Is this 75 300D worth it? My Litany of Woes - Photos - Page 5 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tomscat1 · #61 08-27-2011, 05:15 PM

The blower is located deep in the center console. The Chilton's Manual gives a fairly straightforward removal procedure, although it is lacking in one small, teeny-weeny detail.

Chilton's:

1. Remove blower motor cover.
2. Remove blower motor.
3. Installation is the reverse of removal.

They left out one simple step. Those directions SHOULD say:
1. Remove entire car around blower motor cover.
2. Remove blower motor cover.
3. Remove blower motor.
4. Installation is the reverse of removal.

Ask me how I know.

I went to all the trouble of removing the motor, only to find that the motor was OK. The problem was in the wiring. Getting it out was easier than getting it back in.

Semi-Pro tip:
I took out the speaker in the center of the dash, which allowed me to get access to some of the hard-to-get-at bits. I would be tempted to say that this task rates as a b**ch, but that would be sugar-coating it too much.

Good luck if you decide to take it on.

1975300D · #62 08-27-2011, 05:24 PM

Thanks Tom, so I don't have to remove the dash, but the center console?

tomscat1 · #63 08-27-2011, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1975300D

Thanks Tom, so I don't have to remove the dash, but the center console?

Before doing either, I would make every effort to determine if it is in fact a problem with the motor itself. I would say there is a high likelihood that the problem lies in the wiring/connections/ resistors or whatever is in the line, also buried in the dash. But it will save you the trouble of removing that motor.

Once I found that the motor was ok, I just did some re-wiring to hot wire it to work. I 'let the smoke out of the wires' a couple of times along the way, so be careful in there. I subsequently learned that there is a common failure in a resistor (cant recall the details, but I believe you can find it in a search of this forum perhaps---- you did a great job on that other search!). It is either in the dash somwhere, or it may even be on the firewall. It is on my to do list, but I havent gotten around to it yet. In the meantime, I do have a working gerry-rigged 3 speed switch.

1975300D · #64 08-27-2011, 08:00 PM

Hi Tom, in order to look at the electricals for the blower motor, I have to take off the central console, right? That is where the contacts would be and the resistor?

Do you know how those round black clips come off? My fear is breaking stuff.

Mark

tomscat1 · #65 08-27-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1975300D

Hi Tom, in order to look at the electricals for the blower motor, I have to take off the central console, right? That is where the contacts would be and the resistor?

Do you know how those round black clips come off? My fear is breaking stuff.

Mark

Not necessarily.

I took out the radio, and I found a connector in there that is part of the wiring for the blower switch and motor. I put the meter on it until I found the live circuit to the motor, and then then just wired it directly with a fairly heavy wire. I am no electrician, however, so I would defer to someone who is an electrical whiz for guidance on the wisdom of doing it this way. I got it working, which was all I cared about.
This has served me well for several years now, but, bear in mind, I no longer use this as my daily driver, but only use it as a backup when other vehicles are not available.
I suspect the real problem with the blower is that resistor issue that has been discussed in these forums in the past. Unfortunately I dont have a link, but you may find if you search this forum.

BTW, FWIW, we are in the path of Hurricane Irene, and conditions are deteriorating. We expect to get hit hard around daybreak with the leading edge of the storm, so we may be 'incommunicado' for a while.

See you on the other side. Irene, goodnight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs3mj1E8LSU

1975300D · #66 08-28-2011, 12:21 AM

Thanks Tom, I will remove the radio and see what I can see. But if it is the resistor, I will have to take off the center console. At least I know now not to take off the dash - which is what I was about to take off. Thanks for the tip! lol

Stay safe, and say Hi to Irene for me.

t walgamuth · #67 08-28-2011, 07:11 AM

I will comment two ways:
1. Automotively, you have gotten plenty of good advice. Many of these type problems may be due to simple corrosion issues. The dashes in these cars are notorious for having grounding issues which always cause goofy behavior of electrical devices. It looks like a lovely car which will clean up and make someone proud to own it. (maybe not you).

2. Personal comments: My father passed away about five years ago and I have to say that although I did not have violent reactions at the time, I still miss him very much. When mom sold her house and more quickly after his death I gathered in a lot of dad's stuff. I have woodworking tools, two boats, some guns, odds and ends from his last volvo, and even clothing which I can wear but really does not fit right as dad was shorter and about the same diameter.

I am not ready to convert any of it into money because it seems sort of disrespectful to dad. Eventually though I will have to sell off stuff or give it away because I simply cannot keep it any longer.

Just because a belonging was meaninful and important to Dad does not mean it follows that you have to keep it forever.

In this case the car seems to be more of an aggrivation to you than anything else. Your dad probably would not want you to be anguished about it. Your best course of action might be to sell it off to a hobbiest who will give it tender loving care and make them promise to bring it by from time to time so you can see the progress.

Your dad might get more enjoyment with the car in the hands of someone who will see it as pure joy instead of torturing you with its niggling thirty year old car problems!

Best wishes!