KISS method - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

PaulH · #1 09-04-2015, 04:59 PM

Right headlight low beam on my 300SDL wasn't working most of the time. Tried the simple fix first. I moved the fuse in it's holder to clean the contacts and it has been working since! And this fuse had copper contacts, not aluminum (SP?).

leathermang · #2 09-04-2015, 05:56 PM

Is this a trick question ?... I can't find the question....

mannys9130 · #3 09-04-2015, 07:27 PM

These fuses are HORRIBLE for corrosion and bad contact.

Whenever I got a Benz I always took all the fuses out, cleaned the fusebox contacts with sand paper, and installed brand new fuses according to the cover schematic. The original fuses are Aluminum metal or coated with it. The replacement fuses that I've seen are usually Copper or Brass. This reduces significantly the dissimilar metal corrosion that an Al-Cu joint would produce.

PaulH · #4 09-04-2015, 07:29 PM

There was no question. There was a statement; check the simple things first when you have a problem. I'm sure that if I had asked about how to solve the problem, some would say check the bulb, check the ground, check the bulb holder, check the wires, check the relay. My point is that sometimes it is really simple and easy to solve a problem. For those under 30, KISS means KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID. (And, no, I didn't make this phrase up.) Since the subject on lights not working on our mostly old cars comes up from time to time, I thought that this might be helpful to someone. Have a good day.

leathermang · #5 09-04-2015, 08:17 PM

Here is something from my soldering days.....
using silver solder for contact points like this IF IT WILL STAND THE HIGHER temperature of application...... does an excellent job of cutting down on corrosion. ..... Silver solder on the tip of a soldering iron makes cleaning of the lower temperature solder very easy to clean off the tip ....

Junkman · #6 09-04-2015, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mannys9130

Whenever I got a Benz I always took all the fuses out, and installed brand new fuses according to the cover schematic.

What do you do when the cover schematic disagrees with the FSM for a given year? It is very conceivable that the schematic or cover has been changed. The same fuse box has been used for multiple years on multiple cars for a given year.

Mxfrank · #7 09-04-2015, 10:25 PM

A couple more tips...

Never use plastic fuses, they melt.

And if you're having a problem with a high current circuit, let the car cool off a while before you go for the fuse. Unless you want a fuse schematic branded into your thumb.

leathermang · #8 09-04-2015, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

.... Unless you want a fuse schematic branded into your thumb.

That has been a long term goal of mine.

mannys9130 · #9 09-05-2015, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman

What do you do when the cover schematic disagrees with the FSM for a given year? It is very conceivable that the schematic or cover has been changed. The same fuse box has been used for multiple years on multiple cars for a given year.

Then go with whatever schematic is newest or whatever makes more sense.