windshield wiper emergency ... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BodhiBenz1987 · #1 10-27-2011, 04:36 PM

So ... the 300d was doing great, even though we hit an icestorm in the mountains. All of a sudden the wiper slows down and stops in the up position. Fortunately I was able to get of in a small town. An awful burning smell developed in the cabin, too. I checked the fuse and itloks like the fuse caught on fire . Its brown instead of red

.... the other fuses look ok but the box stinks, the wiper motor area stinks, and I'm afraid if I put another fuse in it will catch on fire. Also don't want to get stuck somewhere dangerous again. Ideas? I do have the fuse with me. Pardon my typing, on phone of course.

leathermang · #2 10-27-2011, 04:38 PM

You are thinking correctly...
you need to find what caused the fuse to blow before putting another one in....

kerry · #3 10-27-2011, 04:46 PM

Put a good coating of Rain X on your windshield and you can get away without wipers. I've done it to solve a similar problem in the past.
If you don't want to do that, stop at a hardware store and buy some light rope. Tie the wipers together and run the ends of the rope thru the side windows and tie it together into a long loop. Then, you can grab the rope with one hand, pull it one way and then the other and you'll have functioning wipers. done that too.

BrianCostello · #4 10-27-2011, 04:49 PM

sounds like the wiper motor is over amping. no way to tell with out volt/amp meter.

how far north are you?? sounds like your long past Boston. .

feel free to stop by on the way home if needed. Have garage and tools.

+1 on the rainX. . it works well

BodhiBenz1987 · #5 10-27-2011, 04:59 PM

I'm in pa in a small town off 15 ... do you really think I can do it safely with rainex? Hopefully it will stop snowing/raining

definitely something wrong with the wiper motor ... it really stinks.

leathermang · #6 10-27-2011, 05:03 PM

I do suspect your windshield will need to be dry when applying the Rain-x ...but that is a possibility to get you home...

Chris W. · #7 10-27-2011, 05:06 PM

I would guess that the wiper mechanism has fried, either the motor itself died or the mechanism froze causing the motor to die. Either way, if you are in the 300D, a junkyard wiper is your best bet.

You should be able to get the whole assembly, i.e. wiper, motor, and transmission, for about $100 from a yard. Try to get it complete with the rubber gasket, but if they don't have one with a gasket you can reuse the old one by warming it to make it flexible and stretchable enough to stretch over the assembly to remove, and then put on the new assembly. Swearing a lot helps.

Good luck,
Chris W.
'95 E300D, replaced the wiper assembly already, used old gasket

Junkman · #8 10-27-2011, 05:26 PM

Rain-x is better applied dry (clean is better also but not necessary). Pull under an overpass or other shelter. Dry the windshield then apply. Apply a couple of coats & sort of buff the final one.

I use it before all trips and if I expect a rainy period at home. I can drive with impunity knowing that the windshield will clear quickly. I remember 1 time getting hit with a wave thrown up by an 18 wheeler. The water hit & was gone. I prefer fresh rain-x & no wipers to no rain-x & new or streaky wipers.

BodhiBenz1987 · #9 10-27-2011, 05:31 PM

Stupid question but should I still replace thefuse, since there are other thinhgs on it,or will I risk fire or damage? Ihave three 16 amp fuses. Unfortunately thers no where dry. I'm miles from home or the hotel I was going to stay at and its getting dark. I'm at an autozone and monro muffler shop is across the street but don't think they can help :/

leathermang · #10 10-27-2011, 05:35 PM

Do not replace fuse...... apply electricity in other words....to that system until you have determined what shorted out... and removed it from the situation.... yes, FIRE IS THE RISK... a very good one from what you have described... the fuse worked properly to stop a fire... do not reinstall until situation is FIXED....

lorainfurniture · #11 10-27-2011, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

I'm in pa in a small town off 15 ... do you really think I can do it safely with rainex? Hopefully it will stop snowing/raining

definitely something wrong with the wiper motor ... it really stinks.

Are you heading west or east? I have a 124 wiper assembly, and a garage full of tools. Im in cleveland, so unless you are on the western side of pa, heading west, i might be too far away.

sixto · #12 10-27-2011, 05:48 PM

There are two parts to the wiper motion - the motor and the mechanism that extends and retracts the blade. Chances are the motor was fine until the mechanism jammed. If there's any MacGyver in you, you can remove one of the gears in the mechanism and have the wiper sweep without extending and retracting if only to get you home.

I recall some incompatibility with wiper mechanisms or the trays ahead of the cowl between early and late 124s. I believe late 124s have a larger cutout in the glass. I'd stick with an 87 or at least pre-90 wiper assembly to be safe.

Replacing the wiper mechanism is involved. It can take half a day to do it right the first time. I'd hate to have to do it away from home. Maybe you didn't want to hear that

Sixto
87 300D

BodhiBenz1987 · #13 10-27-2011, 05:49 PM

I'm on the easternside, heading north. I'm in a diy carw ash booth so gonna try rainx. Just so I know what to prepare for, is there a risk of fire even without the fuse? Is there anything else I should look for?

sixto · #14 10-27-2011, 05:52 PM

Does another circuit share the wiper fuse? Maybe the wiper is as much a victim as you are.

Sixto
87 300D

vstech · #15 10-27-2011, 07:09 PM

the fuse being out will keep all items on the circuit from getting power, so no problem there.
likely, the ice storm got under the extension mechanism and locked it up overloading the motor. I'd pour hot water on the wiper assembly, and verify it's clear, then WITH THE KEY IN THE OFF POSITION put in a new fuse. see if it now moves.

I was under the impression the old style wiper assembly was superseded with a better style less prone to failure. so getting an ENTIRE wiper assembly is best from a newer model, but just the arm assembly, or just the motor is not compatible between the years...
I can pull a set and ship it to you wherever you are, if you are going to be somewhere to receive it!