Console failure after stereo replacement
 

Hi all,

I just bought a 1987 300D in pretty much perfect condition and I just had to mess something up...

After replacing front speakers, adding an amp, and replacing the stereo I was driving around near dusk. I turned on the headlights and smoke started coming out of the center console where the head unit of the radio was and the inside electronics started going haywire. I immediately pulled over and disconnected the stereo and then drove the car (2 blocks home). I found out I blew a few fuses and I replaced them. Now after everything was completely disconnected and as far as I can see I'm not shorting anything anywhere I touched when I installed the stereo, when turning the headlights on I'm still blowing fuses, and still getting strangeness from the inside electronics. I just ordered the service CD for a wiring diagram so I can check for shorts but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas? I've done few searches and I can't seem to find anyone with a similar problem.

look for and fix any melted wires you find.....and I know you are going to find at least one....likely two. Its going to take time...but grab a nice bright flashlight, take a valium and start looking.

The only thing I can think of is that
you screwed one of the two screws of the
ashtray into the wiring for the lights.


Did you add a strap or bracket that
you used screws on to mount?

If yes, then go back and check to make
sure you didn't accidently screw one of
the screws into the headlight wires or the
ground wires.

Louis.

Thanks
 

I'll look for melted wires, but I'm stymed on how to get the dash all of the way out. I can't see any melted wires in where the head unit goes. I didn't screw anything in, the stereo was a tight fit so it just slid in. I did see a few burn marks on the wires that I pulled out.

I'll check to make sure that I didn't screw into the ashtray lighter wires.

Any other ideas?

Thanks for the great help :)