Always willing to get my hands dirty, I was rewiring the right taillamp cluster on my '86 300E. Stupidly, I left the key in the ignition, made a little spark and blew the fuse (#3). I replaced the fuse - but still no brake lights or dash control elements! However, the combination relay (201 821 00 47) has started buzzing whenever the car is on. Replacing the relay with one from my 300TE doesn't help - it buzzes too, and the 300E relay works fine in the 300TE. I can't go very long without brake lights so I'd really appreciate any feedback.

Thanks, as always, for everyone that makes this such a great site.

You might have blown more than one fuse. I have seen fuses that are blown at the top or bottom or have a hairline fracture in them cause a similar problem.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks Benzmac - fuse #5 had a hairline breakage. I could have saved myself a lot of time... but then, there would have been one less person to boost your ego today!

Thanks again.