Unusual electrical problem - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rnysl320 · #1 07-05-2007, 01:08 PM

I have a 1994 SL320 with 100,000+ miles. I have searched the Forum and cannot find a similar problem:

With the ignition turned off - key out of switch - upon exiting the vehicle the buzzer under the dash and the radio go off an on - the antenna goes up and down like a yo-yo. With the door open I can move around on the seat and turn the radio and buzzer off and on. Does anyone know if there is a relay or contact switch under the seat that controls the radio and buzzer? If yes, how do I get to it? Is it hard to replace? A costly repair?Any info would be helpful.

tecqboy · #2 07-05-2007, 04:30 PM

This could possibly be an ignition switch problem. The switch is notorious for failing and causing strange behavior. Search the forum for ignition switch. Try moving the steering wheel in - out or up - down while the problem is happening.

rnysl320 · #3 07-05-2007, 08:36 PM

tecqboy,

After reading 20 pages of threads regarding ignition switch problems I would have to agree that the problem could be in the switch. Although I am couious how moving around on the seat can make the radio go on and off. The problem just began so unless there is a noticeable battery drain, I will ride it out for a while to see where it leads me. Unfortunately I don't have the tools or talent to test the switch and will probably end up at my local foreign car repair shop$$. I will send a follow-up post when the problen is resolved. Thanks for the advice.

tecqboy · #4 07-05-2007, 08:58 PM

I think it's a wise idea to wait it out... See if it gets worse, or if there are more symptoms which show up. The only thing I can think of associated with the seat moving and the buzzer is the seat belt switch and relay ( seat belt not latched warning buzzer and lamp ). But I can't begin to guess why that would affect the radio unless something is crossed in the alarm circuits. The radio should only get the "keep alive" voltage when the key is out. There are many control modules and electronic circuits under the seats..... It's very possible that insulation has worn due to seat movement over the years. It's quite easy to remove the seat cushion and have a look ( two screws ). With the cushion off, operate the seat and watch for any movement of cables. Good luck and let us know....

rnysl320 · #5 07-05-2007, 10:20 PM

Will advise ASAP

Thanks again

ScottinSoCal · #6 07-05-2007, 10:28 PM

No one else has posted this, so....

Have you considered that when you move around in the seat you're also bouncing the car a little? That could make an electrical problem in the steering column act up.

rnysl320 · #7 07-06-2007, 07:03 AM

ScottinSoCal,

Anything is possible. The problem just started so its earily in the game. Do you know if any radio and/or door buzzer wires run thru the steering column? The radio is the original Alpine AL2194 (Becker lookalike)factory installed unit without steering wheel controls or a CD changer attached. At first I thought it might be the power supply on the radio, untill I started moving around on the seat. I'm going to wait for a while to see if anything else is going on. I hope it's not a some kind direct short and I end up smoking my car.

rnysl320