87 560SEL - dead electrical systems
 

Hi,

The following is completely dead on my 560SEL. Just looking for ideas where to start troubleshooting. They did work not long ago though:

All 4 windows
Sunroof
Centrallocking
Mirrors
Seats
Heatersystem

I did not check headlights or parkinglights, but the instrumentcluster does work - that is RPM, enginetemp, fuelguage etc (don't recall if the yellow/red lamps did work though).

What could cause all of these to go out at the same time?

Check the fuses. I don't have a chart handy for which fuse is for what, but someone should know. :)

Yea it kind of sounds like it may be a "cluster" associated with a fuse(s) that controls those...By the way, does anyone know how one would go about this scenario: ON my 560 SEL, the ONLY fuse related failure I have is my blower motor stopping and upon inspection, I noticed that this particular space in the fuse box has been melted down to where the metal connection is pretty much gone and therefore the fuse doesn't connect.

I find myself having to press it down (and tearing the copper from another fuse and sticking it down the hole to act as an artificial conductor to the fuse for it to work). Would I have to replace the whole fusebox or can just that section be removed so that I can replace it with a fuse space that can accomadate the fuse the right way? The more it melts the plastic, the further down the fuse goes,disconnecting because the top metal prong can't make contact and then I have to tear up another fuse to put the metal BACK down into the hole in order to lift the fuse back up to make contact. Any suggestions? I'll also get those fuse #'s for you when I look under mine in a minute.Hopefully it can help YOUR situation in trying to figure this out.;)

Alan

looks like a cluster of fuses...refer to this chart from an 560 SEC:
http://www.mbcoupes.com/repairarticles/fuse/86560fuses.htm

Hopes this helps.

Alan

I see yours is an 87... when you click on the link, just hit the back button and choose the 87 which is printed a bit different, sorry.

Alan

Ok, I hope it's just a fuse-problem too. I left it at the dealer and have to pick it up later since I got two cars at once. Couldn't resist the deal :)

They said it all worked and suddely nothing did after someone testdrove it - so it just sounds like a bad connection.

I noticed on the 300E I got that the fusebox is a major problem. I have to wiggle fuses to get stuff to work all the time. And I never liked those fuses anyways. Being knowledgable in electronics I've decided to remove the whole thing and replace it with a newer type fusebox. About to start that project today on the 300. I'll resolder all the connections to the new fusebox and hopefully I'll never again have a fusebox problem ;)

After this I'll start hunting down bad wires and connectors all around the car. I found a bunch already as I tore apart the interior and resoldered some.

I'll post updates on the exchange if anyone is interested. So far it looks like I'll go with a fusebox from AutoZone I found. $3.49 each for 4 fuses, and they can be stacked together. Will do a fit-test tonight to see...

Good info Alan,

I never noticed the fuse chart on MBcoupes.com. Excellent reference!

Thanks,

Success follow-up
 

Ok, a bit late again as always. I fixed the electrical problems when I picked up the car. The fuses were indeed just badly seated and I got everything to work, even AC with just a few minutes under the hood wiggling fuses...

One window motor was bad, and I replaced it, and it too went bad. Think the window mechanics is messed up a bit.

Been running good for the last year. Needs engine work. One cylinder has low compression and it runs a bit rough. But it's taken me around for at least 8000 miles without complaining. And will now be parked for restauration the next couple of years :)