w123 1985 windows don't work
 

Have Calif. 300TD, bought new, no water damage or similar history. Windows (all of them) go totally dead, no clicks, or any indication of power. Then start working, may work for a month, go dead again, stay that way for a while then work again. Any ideas

Try checking the fuse and also try cleaning the toggle switches.

Maybe one wire on the main toggle switch box is loose and interrupts the continuity of the other switches.

Thanks for ideas, have checked fuses and main window relay. By toggle switches do you mean the window up-down switches? Sorry for lack of knowledge but where is the "main toggle switch box?" Does the ignition switch have any control over windows?

I Believe uncle 300d is referring to the window switches themselves. He used the term "main" to refer to the 4 switches located just aft of the gear lever. The secondary switches in this case would be the rear passenger switches. Pulling the 4 up front switches and cleaning the contacts may be something you've already done, if not, do it do it. Coffee doesn't do those switches any favors. Worst case, you've got to get out the old multi-meter and follow the 12 volts until you find the clog.

Ignition switch does turn off everything :) I would leave that one until I'd exhausted every other possibility though, It is much more likely that you've got a bad fuse or your window motors & switches need to be pulled and exercised.

Thayer

Thanks for the info. I will take your and uncle's advice and do some switch cleaning after I finish rebuilding the front suspension.

He means the switch panel with the two switches on the left of the console that control the driver's side windows and houses the button for lockout of the other windows.

Been a long time since I had a similar problem but I think if that switch malfunctions it can prevent all windows from working.

You could start by removing the console trim and checking that the connectors to the switch are firmly in place underneath. I am pretty sure that if you lose power to that switch, none of the windows will work.

This should help with the window switch cleaning.

PeachPartsWiki: How to Refurbish Mercedes Switches


Charlie

I did not read all of the responses so I don't know if someone has mentioned this or not. The Power Window Relay shares a single Fuse with other components.
To the best of My Memory on mine it is the #12 Fuse.
Check the lid of Your Fuse Box to see if the Fuse Chart is still there.

My money is on the power window relay. On a W123 it's behind the instrument cluster.

Where to find it: