Recently had the left-side gauges stop functioning on the 190E, and a quick search here pointed to fuse #9 as the likely culprit. That was it, age-related stress failure of the element, difficult to see, but the element separated on removal. Meanwhile almost decapitated as the hood came down in a very light breeze. Luckily my wife was there and grabbed it.

Immediately ordered a new strut, and put it in the other day. Dramatic difference in the action, and the deterioration was not so obvious, having occured gradually over 13 years. Moral is, check yours - any doubts, it is cheap to replace. The new one would hold the hood open under any imaginable conditions short of a 100 mph gust, I would guess. Still, It closes as it should when pushed steadily down, dropping shut just at the end. Opening about 15 degrees, it takes over and opens to its stop.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7