Power Adapter on 1998 E300 TD Not Working - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 09-21-2002, 08:29 PM

For the first time I tried to plug a cell phone into the power adapter near the front ashtray. The phone would not charge. I then tried the lighter and it also would not work. Is there a fuse that could be blown or should I be looking in another direction?

SpannMan

Gilly · #2 09-21-2002, 08:41 PM

on a Mercedes, they outlets only work with the ignition "ON", maybe this is the problem?

Gilly

Ockman · #3 09-22-2002, 07:28 AM

The power adapter in my 99 E300 also failed after about one year. The internal mechanism which includes a thin piece of metal at the bottom of the adapter had come off and fallen farther into the hole where I could no longer see it or grab it. Fortunately the car was under warranty and it was repaired by the dealer during my next service. I have to say the entire mechanism lacks the look of quality and durability of the one in my 83 300D which never failed me.

#4 09-23-2002, 06:12 AM

I actually do not think I tried with the motor turned on. I did try with the key in the ignition, turned to position 2. I assumed if the key was in, the power adapter would be hot. Works this way in my other cars. I will post back later.

SpannMan

#5 09-23-2002, 06:40 PM

Well, I tried with the motor on and it somewhat works. The cell phone adapter never feels like it seats well, but if I jiggle it around, I can get it to work. I still have had no luck with the lighter, but I do not need that anyway.

Also, my manual states that the adapter will work in both position 1 and 2.

SpannMan

Ockman · #6 09-23-2002, 07:39 PM

Yours is acting very much like mine was before it quit altogether. My cigarette lighter never worked from day one when the car was new. I didn't need that but the power adapter is a must have. After the dealer replaced the assembly everything worked, even the lighter. Hope yours lasts a long time....when I signed the repair order I noticed the parts and labor came to over $100 and that's at warranty work rates.

LightMan · #7 10-25-2002, 11:21 PM

I think the lighter outlet on the mb's is just too big. I have cell phone chargers and radar detectors that won't stay plugged into the mercedes, but work fine in other cars. I wonder why they have such an oversized outlet?

190D22 · #8 10-25-2002, 11:28 PM

I have to turn my cell phone charger just so and then close the ash tray on it to hold it in place. You bump it and the charger gets shut off and my phone makes this annoying sound.

LightMan · #9 10-26-2002, 11:43 AM

exactly, they are pretty worthless, I don't know why they made such big sockets. I'm wondering if at radio shack they might have a 1-into-2 socket adapter, it would be a long shot, but chances are it might fit. Thats what i'm hoping, as it's nice to have a radar detector and your phone plugged in simultaneously. MB should have put two plugs in.