Electrical Problem 260E After Dealer A/C Service

[etsa]

Hi All:

I got a call from the dealer saying I needed a new battery and the car refused to start after I had my A/C converted to 134. Paid them too much for a battery and the conversion.

When I picked up my car from the dealer, I noticed that the car is knocking and pinging while driving and the speedo is very jumpy, the A/C doesn't turn off even though all the buttons are pressed off, I am popping fuses left and right (number 1, 2 and 3), headlights are very dim and a very unbearable knocking and pinging sound while driving.

The dealer denies any problems and states that the car was fine when it left there. I just got out of the driveway and the car sputtered and knocked badly that I went around the block and went right back but they still deny it.

I had a knocking problem under load but it is now really bad and constant throughout the powerband. No power and I can't climb small hills.

I tried to drive it home but the knocking and pinging was so bad I had the car towed home where I will attempt to fix it myself. While at home, I discovered that it knocks and pings even at idle, it pops fuses (1,2,3 constantly), my headlights are very dim and the A/C doesn't turn off even though all the buttons are pressed off.

It sounds like I have a short somewhere but I have no idea where to start looking for this problem. I checked the obvious like the grounding to the battery and the battery cables and those are fine.

Any ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Aloha,
Eric

[stevebfl]

There are so many things attached to those fuses that it would be a real guess to make any statement. I did notice wipers being involved with 2 of the fuses.

Do you know specifically what was done at the dealer? Check the systems that are located close by. If sluething doesn't get it, you will have to approach any symptoms and diagnose as any other problem. One of the fuses powers the control circuit of many relays. I would try removing them and see if the fuse doesn't blow, then replace them one at a time and see which system is involved when it blows.

[etsa]

Hi Steve:

Thanks for the reply!

Upon close inspection this morning with my mechanic, we found the probable cause of the problem. When the dealer cut the nylon strapping to the positive cable connected to the battery, the cut away at the insulation and it was grounding to the chassis.

I have resolved the popping fuses on only 2 and 3 and still am fighting with number 1. That controls the rear headrests, cig. lighter, glove light and rear compartment light. When it pops, it shuts down the radio. I don't know how that is connected. I am still working on that one. Any ideas?

I have also resolved the dim headlight situation also.

Knocking and pinging is still there only underload. I use premium gas and octane booster. Still have the problem. Timing is at 9 degrees BTDC. I am at a lost on this one too.

I think my A/C switch got fried too. It still doesn't want to shut off. I need to open up the console to get to that.

The alternator got fried and is also shot. I got a new one this morning already and I am ready to replace that this morning. I think this may have been my original problem with the dead battery situation. Just to be safe, I got me another battery too.


Well, I am a bit closer to solving a dealer induced problem. Any ideas on how to approach the number 1 fuse problem, A/C switch and the knocking and pinging situation. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You in advanced.

Aloha,
Eric