Numerous Quesitons on C280

[David C Klasse]

OK, I have finally gathered all of my questions that I've wanted to ask in my head. All pertain to the 95 C280.

1) If I put trans into 3rd gear, will it act as a SPORT MODE, so to speak? I don't think it does, but was wondering because my friend has a BMW, and if you put it into third, it will hold in each gear longer before shifting. I know I do'nt have driver adaptive trans. but was wondering if the car did have this.

2) I have done a search on this, but wanted to clarify that I need a new shift stalk for the following problem. High beams work when pushed in (constant on), but do not work when pulled back (flashing them). Any other possibilities?

3) Kind of relating to number 2, my wiper delay is WACKED. Sometimes it will just stay on, sometimes go on once every 5 min., and will sometimes go on when I turn on my blinker (all with wiper intermittent mode on). I am sure I need the new wiper delay because when I wiggle the part in it's holding, the wiper will work on and off, the part number is 000 821 0863 (would that be 202 821 0863 for me?). Thought that this and the high beam flasher might be related somehow as they are both on the stalk.

4) My car does the occasional 'no start when warm' but will work after a number of attempts after that. I am sure I need a new overvolt relay. Part number (according to partsshop) is 000 540 6745, would it be 202 540 6745 for me?

5) And this one has been bugging me for awhile... There is the OBDII hookup under the drivers side dash, as you all know. But what is the hook-up under the hood by all the electrical stuff (upper left corner), the round one?

6) And maybe someone can help me locate the wiring harness on this car. I want to know if it has already been replaced. I know to look for worn insulation, but where is the darn thing? Do I really have to take it do the dealer to determine this (which I won't anyway!)?

That's about it. But I thought I would let everyone know of my most recent project! This may sound kind of pathetic, but I am proud of what I have done! I have successfully converted my normal 95 C280 key into a 97 C-class flip key! Of course the remote does not work on my car (but will on an old friends'!!!). I just recently found my friend's 1997 C280 key in my room when I was cleaking out a drawer. The girl moved away a few months away and have not talked to her in 2 years. So I finally (after hours of figuring out how to do it) got the old silver key our of the flip key. Was able to take one of my keys, cut off plastic, and have hardware store man cut off ends to make it straight. I then JB Welded it into the old key housing, let dry, sanded flat, and I have a new flip key! All friends think I'm a nut, maybe I am? I have tested it all today, and works fine, just hope it won't break in ignition! Point of breakage though will still leave plenty of room to remove key. OK...
I hope you all can answer some of my questions! Thanks again.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

If you put the transmission in 3rd, then it will not shift higher than gear 3. I never heard anything about it going into sport mode, I could be mistaken. I don't know about the '95 tranny, but on the 722.6 it holds the gear right up to max engine speed at WOT, so there is no need for this. Where does the tranny shift? If the tranny shifts at red line, then you are not really going to gain anything from doing this.

Probably need a new shift stalk for the high beams, not sure about that, I personally would leave it if the constant on still works.

No warm start could also be a problem with the fuel accumulator.

The wiring harness is simply the electrical wires that are under the hood. There is a large mass of wires that run through the engine compartment and branch off into the different accessories. Imagine it as the central nervous system of your car. If it is going bad, the insulation on it will crack exposing bare wires and causing short circuits. Just look for a large bundle of wires covered with a black fabric type of insulation, and the wires that run out of it in various locations. Then look at the wires to see if there is any crack in the insulation and any bare wire is visible.

[David C Klasse]

Yes, I think that third gear will only limit it to 3rd gear and do nothing else. Just wanted to verify. Also, where is this bundle of wire under the hood?? Thanks.

[MBenzNL]

Hottee,

I recently received a mail from you that I have replied; never heard anything from you again....did you receive the reply?
Have you read the replying post about the bumper lights?

About this thread:
1) If you put your transmission in 3rd or 2nd gear, the transmission box will hold on the separate gears a bit longer before it shifts to the next gear. It is not a sport mode (we have separate switches for that at our european automatics). The selected gear is as far the car will shift up.

2) I had the same problem with my car and after I had exchanged the shift stalk (steering column switch) the "problem" was gone. I exchanged the shift stalk for a used one out of a damaged car (no need to buy a new shift stalk for a minor problem like that).

3) The wiper relay is a combined relay. It does control the wiper, indicators and rear defroster. If your wiper reacts on the blinker, the relay is not good any more. The part# you wrote down does not have to start with 202; it can start with 000 since it is used for varying models.

4) a part# starting with 000 is normal for electrical parts, sensors, relays etc.

5) The hook up under the hood is to connect to the dealers compu for controlling/resetting the SRS, the climate control, the motor management system, the ABS, etc.
I do not know about the hook up under the dash; I haven't seen that on the european models I have taken apart yet.

6) wire harness....look for something like this:

It will be all over, in and under the car...

greetingz,

[David C Klasse]

Keeping this at the top...!