11/30/04

Not sure if I am proceeding correctly, but I am sure you will let me know.

I am driving a '81 300SD with 300M+ miles and as is typical, my #11 fuse blows every so often. Have never installed the fuse kit. Recently, everything was working fine with the exception of my temperature dial that has not always been responded to other than max settings, but acceptable. No problem with fan speeds, compressor, etc. All of a sudden my fan didn't come on and I suspected another blown fuse.

Fuse appeared OK but did have some black plastic from fuse box casing attached, or fused, to the bottom tip of fuse. Replaced the fuse after throughly cleaning contacts in holder. I did notice some black burn signs on the underside of the top of the fuse holder immediately above the area of fuse #11 position, but believe there may have been some previous evidence of same. However, nothing now works on that circuit including the A/C compressor and the fan. There is a third item on this fuse circuit which I recall is some kind of fuel idle changeover that I don't recognize and therefore don't know if it is working.

Could the wiring harness under the fuse be burnt, the button selectors bad though all working before, some other dash controls, or is there some other solinoid, sensor or controlling fuse like the cubicles in the fuse block. Is there an easy way to check the various circuits. I would be appreciative of any suggestions before I have to take it for servicing...to other than the dealer.

In addition to my above Email address, I can be reached during the day at 210-271-7881, ext 229. I use to be a member of the official MB web site under "maximumbob".

Thanking someone in advance.