Hi Ken

Ya! I'll try and get a pic of the motor so far. Seperating the brush end of the motor confirmed the problem. This thing is built like a small dc motor used in toys. One of the brushes has completely severed. All thats left is the stub. Now I know why the fuse blew.

For those wishing...remove the motor from the housing is a matter of opening the bottom snap on cover and unsoldering the wires. You don't have to remove the (2) torque screws securing the electronic and air switch mechanisms. To access the brushes, unfold the two bent steel casing flanges (mine where covered by a foam trim piece, similar to weatherstripping seal). They where difficult to pry up as they machine the folds to roll back under but keep pushing.

Local starter shops won't touch it. They don't have any small parts like the brush sets available. I'm thinking that for $1900 Canadian from the local stealership, I've got alot of expense money to play with.

Oh ya! the commutator is toast. New brushes will last about a year at best before they will have to be replaced.

Going to talk to phil about parts though!

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1995 E320 -171k-km
1995 S420 -333k-km