Sudden Loss of Electrical Junk - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ara T. · #1 11-30-2005, 10:05 PM

When I was driving home today from school I tried to use my turn signals on my 1985 300D Turbo (204,000mi), and it didn't work. So I tried pressing the hazard lights a couple times, they worked fine, then trying the turn signals again, but no go. Then I look down at my instruments and notice my tachometer, fuel guage, coolant temperature guage aren't working. Also my power windows wont work. The things that do work are the speedometer, headlights, oil pressure guage, and instrument lighting. Radio works fine. Im not sure about the brake lights or reverse lights.

No idea why this happened, the car has never had trouble with these things (except the sunroof) and has been free of any electrical gremlins for the coupla years i've been driving it. Has this happened to anybody?

lietuviai · #2 11-30-2005, 10:07 PM

Sounds like a fuse problem.

t walgamuth · #3 11-30-2005, 10:07 PM

did you check your fuses?

tom w

Ara T. · #4 11-30-2005, 10:11 PM

Sorry forgot to mention, yes I checked the fuses, none were burnt out. I think they were the original aluminum (?) kind and not the new copper kind, except for the couple that I have replaced. I dont see how it would make a difference all of a sudden though.

lietuviai · #5 11-30-2005, 10:31 PM

It was suggested in another thread to try cleaning them.

vwnate1 · #6 11-30-2005, 10:44 PM

Far better than cleaning them is to roll them in situ ~ this scrubs off the crusty bit that's causing current not to flow .

In any case , you need to go get a full set of copper strip fuses as those f$#@!ng aluminum things have been keeping me busy doing electical work for 30 + years now...

Oddly , the better copper fuses are cheaper too ! . I buy them @ V.W. parts suppliers like @ the Pomona Swap meet this coming sunday .

lietuviai · #7 11-30-2005, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwnate1

Far better than cleaning them is to roll them in situ ~ this scrubs off the crusty bit that's causing current not to flow .

I was going to suggest this but I didn't know how to put in words.

dannym · #8 12-01-2005, 09:11 AM

Fuses cost about $2.00 for a pack of 6 at AutoZone. Why not just replace them.
It was also mentioned in another thread to clean the fuse holders with emery cloth and to add a dab of NOALOX to the ends.

Danny

rg2098 · #9 12-01-2005, 11:00 AM

All your problems are from one fuse (12 I think, can't remember), be careful becauses the brake lights are on that circuit as well. I have problems with that fuse blowing every few months and can't figure out why.

donm · #10 02-02-2006, 09:14 PM

With lots of rain coming tonight, and a window stuck down, no turn signals, etc. I was more then a little concerned about driving to work tomorrow in my '85 TD. The information on the #12 fuse saved my butt. Or at least kept me from having to get my coupe wet (its a dry weather weekend toy). I replaced the fuse, and everything works now.

I've had similar symptoms when I got the console switches wet one time, and thought the problem was a bulky emergency flasher switch. A quick search here fixed it in three minutes, saving wild goose chases into that console. This forum rocks!

But of course you already knew that.

Don McClure
Bel Air, MD

kmaysob · #11 02-02-2006, 09:24 PM

i had the same problem with my wipers ONLY when it would rain. started moving the fuses and they started working. replaced them with the copper ones the next day.

MikeTangas · #12 02-02-2006, 10:14 PM

Might also want to check your alternator output. A badly worn brushpack (regulator) can cause the alternator to put out too little juice. As the battery dies some of these Benzes start shutting down electricals to save power (not really a concern with a diesel as there is no electrical power needed to keep the engine running). Just something else to look into.