300sd Terminal Strip on Passenger Wheel Well - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

82silverbullet · #1 01-18-2007, 07:18 PM

hello to those knowledgable forum members out there.

I am in dire need to know how many wires total connect to this terminal strip (box) located inside the engine bay right in front of the wheel well. Its a little plastic box with a plastic lid w/ hinges.

After I find out how many wires go to this thing, then if fellow forumers would be so kind as to help me, I really need to know the color of the wires, and where each wire goes, starting from the terminal screw-down spot closest to the firewall, and ending with the terminal screw-down spot nearest to the headlight. (there are only 5 partitions, as you will see in my picture, so it wouldn't even be that time consuming)

My starting system has been very mangled by the previous owner in his, actually very successful, double battery setup. Obviously, the wires would have to have been relocated due to the different functions along with the addition an extra solenoid and a series/parallel switch.

This is my current terminal strip:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f361/jr107/300sd005.jpg

Also, I'd just like to make it clear, I'd really appreciate it if nobody asks about the previous system setup. All I am really in need of is possibly a picture of somebody's personal 300sd terminal strip (box), and just some basic info of where the wires go from there. In addition, I'd like to know how many wires are connected to the +terminal of the battery (not including the cable to the starter)

I hope that I have given a good enough explanation of my needs in order for fellow forumers who know a bit about the original starting system setup, to help me out in restoring my system back to stock specs!

Thanks!!!

-SilverBullet

vstech · #2 01-18-2007, 08:14 PM

go here to see my strip from my 82 SD
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q132/vstech/P1010762.jpg
it looks like you have an extra white wire on the left terminal.
John

82silverbullet · #3 01-19-2007, 07:48 PM

Great! you're right, I do!!

Ok, another question if you care to help me out (by the way THANKS so much for the pic!!).

Where does the white wire on the very RIGHT side of the picture go on your car? (or in an original 300sd)? My white wrapped wire on the right is connected to another wire and then runs to my serial/parallel switch.

I would think this wire would connect to a positive 12V source somewhere...I just don't know exactly where. I might be wrong. It's just so big, and it's also connected to the positive terminal on my series/parallel switch.

Anybody with Input?!!! So far, this has been alot of help!

vstech · #4 01-19-2007, 08:16 PM

ohhh. dirty down there.... I will try to take a look. it's sure to go to the alternator though, or possibly the battery... lemme go look.
John

vstech · #5 01-19-2007, 08:20 PM

nope, the red one goes to the alternator... the white one goes to the large terminal on the starter.
John

JimmyL · #6 01-19-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82silverbullet

Also, I'd just like to make it clear, I'd really appreciate it if nobody asks about the previous system setup.
Thanks!!!

-SilverBullet

So, how was the previous system set up??

82silverbullet · #7 01-22-2007, 05:40 PM

dude...it was so messed up, i couldn't tell you how it was set up. But I'm gonna tell you it ran for years upon years with a jumbled up mess of wires, an extra rigged solenoid, and a series/parallel switch (looks like another solenoid, but picture many little threaded studs lined with wires jumping from each stud to the next, finally ending with 2 batteries of unequal size and unequal stength... It was obviously done by an unorganized person with *some* knowledge of electrical/starter systems. NOT ME!! Ha...the previous owner.

It went with it for a long time, but after the ground terminal went bad w the switch, and a year of not starting it (it has a new starter, new glow plugs, and it had been running like a dream about 1 year before),all made me want to convert this car back to a single battery stock starting setup. It'll be better for the car, and also less troublesome to troubleshoot the starting system if the system goes bad in the future, because I'm removing a couple components I'd love to be positive are the cause of my car not wanting to turning over....

Thanks fokr the help on identifying those couple of wires, VSTECH! that'll be good to know. I think I only have 1 aftermarket wire that is wired up to my system, but, that's just based upon a quick glance. I may have two, but it could be hiding under some wires on the terminal box.

Are there any wires from that terminal box that go directly to the battery? If so, which ones (starting from the one closest to the firewall to the headlight) are they? I think I have those right, I just want to double check...reverse polarity will stink up your garage quick.

If anyone could help with that last one, I'd be appreciative. Thanks again for your all's help!