560 sl UNKNOWN PART
 

There is a 2 screw connector on the core support on the passenger side of the auto that is an ivory ceramic looking box. It seems to be connected to one of the wire from the cruise control actuator. It has cracked and crumbled and is corroded and I thinkg maybe the cause of my cruise control intermittent problem. Does anyone know what the heck this is? I can't get a part # offof it without removing it and I don't know if it is essential to the running of the car?

A resistor, check this part number 158-25-45

If so, it's a rad fan controler/resistor.

When the ceramic is cracked, is the auxillary fan resistor generally inoperative?
Can they be readily checked with an ohmmeter? I think it is a .2 ohm resistor. Thanks.

Yep, I went to the dealership to get the part, yet it looks like the resistor is connected to the actuatot pin connector, and the abs unit, we'll see when I replace it if thins work better, wish me luck.

What are the results? Did you change the part? Mine is also cracked...My brakes pulsate sometimes like ABS. Not often although. Could it be this part or it will be I guess ABS sensors.

Balsa

This resistor is not related to the brakes.
Pulsating brakes are often caused by a slightly warped rotor disc. The fronts are usualy where they warp due to wear and heat. Common problem for all disc brake autos. The rotors can be "turned" by any brake shop. If thinner than specs, it's best to replace. They are not terribly expensive, around $50 from Phil at Buy Parts on this forum.

When this resistor is cracked, it won't necessarily stop it from working, but it probably won't work for much longer. I think what causes this is simply age and/or getting really hot and then wet (thermal shock).

The dealership told me that the resistor is for the auxillary fan. Haven't had any overheating problems so I guess it's working.

This resistor comes into play when the a/c is on and running. The pressure switch on the drier energizes the k9 (I think, or k10) relay, which routes 12 volts thru this resistor to step down the voltage and run the fan on low speed/reduced voltage. You would not necessarily know if it were working or not unless you check the fan operation when the ac has been running for a while, and the pressure demand on the receiver/drier is met. You can check it by unplugging the wires going to the switch on the receiver/drier and shorting them together... the fan should run. If not, the resistor, fuse, or other problem exists. The likelyhood of overheating because of the aux fan not running would likely be limited to idling in traffic for extended periods with the air conditioning turned on.