Hi all,
The weather is beautiful today in Southern Ontario, and so I rolled down the windows - but... nothing! Not even the characteristic sound of the electric motor(s) engaging. All four are nonfunctional. Of course, the fuses are fine, and that is the extent of my electrical know-how, really.
Where should I be looking to solve this?
Thanks, as always,
Nick

I think there is an accessory relay located in back of the fuse location. I will check Nick, but with all 4 windows out, it's gotta be a relay or a connector somewhere.

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

Thanks, Jeff, I appreciate your help. It's so aggravating - but what can I say, overall the car has been good to me for an 86!

OK, found a few more electrical gremlins, all of which I imagine are related given the sudden onset of these problems. The rear defrost and (alarmingly) the wiper/washer systems are not working. Now I'm worried.

Nick, this can't possibly be one relay. Not being a wiz at some of MB's wiring, I would really start thinking about a chassis connector coming loose or having sustained a short or some kind of damage. You are having problems in a number of systems that are controlled by relays and timers. Has any work been done on the car recently? There has got to be a simple explanation for this one. I'll check my service wiring diagrams and get back to you. Maybe Benzmac has some clues or firsthand re this type of failure.

Actually, no work has been done on the car since the alternator was replaced about 2 months ago - the car has been running perfectly. Thanks for any help re the wiring/ electrical systems - I haven't ordered my CD yet! I would hate to have to take this to the dealer.

How's this for a lousy update:
This afternoon I noticed that the high beams will come on with the lever forward, but will not 'flash' (lever drawn backward). Another new development is that the pwr seats will work only with either the driver or passenger door open! This was not the case yesterday... I recall that this is the default mode for when the ignition is not 'on' - I don't know the significance of this though.
Thanks for any input - I'm pretty freaked out...
Nick

Nick, the power windows have a common relay that looks to be located in the relay nest behind the fuse panel. There is another relay called a combination relay that controls wipers, etc. From what I can see, this relay is also located in the relay nest behind the fuse box. My guess is that there has been a primary feed failure to these relays. I can't tell if there are fusible links in there or not, but to start checking, pull the cover pull the relays one at a time and using a volt meter start looking for + 12 volts on the connectors. I'm betting that you won't find any primary feed to either relay. Thus, the problem is either a connector or a fusible link or possibly the ignition switch. Start at the relays (easiest to check). Good luck. BTW, my high beams never flashed either on both of the 300's that I own. I'm not sure, but I don't think that function is even there. They're either high or low. I think I'll check on that one in the book as well. You're starting to get paranoid Nick. Kick back and tackle the problems one at a time. You'll be fine. :D :D :D

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Jeff L
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 03-26-2000).]

Thanks Jeff, I'll start there. Regarding the flash feature, I've used it as recently as last week.
Fingers crossed,
Nick

Okay, then. Embarrassed as I am, here is my conclusion to this stupid problem - it has been a humbling experience. Those of you that know this can have a hearty laugh but - and here's my secret - fuses can be intact but CORRODED! Therefore, I am changing ALL of my fuses today, because they all look about the same as the one I replaced. Thanks for your help Jeff. At least it was a cheap fix, cost to ego not included!
Bye for now,
Nick

You're welcome. I wish more problems such as yours were as easily repaired. Oh well, back to putting the head back on my beloved '89 300e.

I just took a look at this post. I have seen the fuses corrode and have posted this a number of times. This was a good catch Nick. The first time some techs see this, it will blow their minds. Replace all of the fuses with new. Including the spares and the blower fuse if it is outside the fuse box.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM