W124 Smoke in Cabin
 

After stopping at a rest stop yesterday, I restarted my 1994 E320 Wagon and smoke immediately came in the car via the vents. It smelled electrical and I immediately turned the car off. I then turned off the fan motor and restarted the car. No more smoke and no more smell, but I'm wondering if this was the brand new Behr blower motor that I just installed or something else. I checked the fuse box and all seems to be well.

Thanks,
John

1994 E320 Wagon (131K miles)
1995 E300 (152K miles)

If the smoke and smell stopped after turning the blower off and you were just in there that would be the logical place to start looking.
How about the two wires that power the blower motor that are captured by the metal spring clip that secures the motor to the case? Could be that one is shorted.

Good luck, Robert

Thanks.
I just started the car again and I saw a small amount of smoke that came from near the black box that's between the fuse box and the fire wall. Any idea what's inside this box?
I then turned the fan on and it seems to be working fine.

The same thing happened to me only my wife started to open the door and get out (at 40 MPH). It was the voltage regulator below the blower motor. You said the blower was working. Will it throttle down to a slow speed or will it run on the low setting?
Anziani
'93 300CE 190K
'95 E420 121K

John, there are various relays in the black box between the fuse box and the firewall.

Recommend buying a Haynes Repair Manual that covers your model year 124. It's quite comprehensive if you're an avid DIY'er.

I got a closer look and the smoke is coming from a hole in the hood itself. Is there anything up there besides the washer fluid pump? Should I go ahead and order one or do I need to do more diagnosis work?
Thanks!

I just remembered that the washer fluid pump is in the reservoir. So what's inside the hood that's electrical and smoking?

Smoke
 

Good morning, The only thing electrical in the hood is the wiring for the windshield washer nozzle heaters. I would suggest unplugging the nozzle heaters. The wiring is tucked into the recess at the base of the hood and the nozzles each have a plug. That should take care of your problem unless the harness is shorted.

Good luck,Robert

Thanks Robert!
I just unplugged the connection and there was a wire that melted a bit. Any idea what tells these heaters to turn on?

John

Wisps of white-smoke in the area above the passenger side battery. Shut her down quick.

Output side of windshield nozzle heater "black box" that is located between hood-pad and hood was melted away, along with the hoses w/built-in wires to the windshield nozzles.

No fuses blown = poor design.

Whew! Glad I dodged that one!

:-) neil
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/tech-help/105148d1346372237-fire-hazard-warning-late-w124-w126-etc-w124-nozzle-heater.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/tech-help/105149d1346372237-fire-hazard-warning-late-w124-w126-etc-w124-drivers-nozzle-hose.jpg

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/attachments/tech-help/105150d1346372237-fire-hazard-warning-late-w124-w126-etc-w124-passenger-nozzle.jpg