I have a solder build-up on one of the electrical contacts that holds fuse for my A/C compressor. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to clean up build-up? My compressor is not kicking in properly , and when I checked the fuse I noticed the build-up on the contact. I'm assuming the solder came from a blowm fuse, but am not sure. The fuse seems to be ok, because when I removed the fuse and re-installed it the compressor kicked on when I started A/C, but cycled off fairly quickly.

I have never seen this before. I'd bet someone put the solder there because of a burned contact.

Mercedes makes a fuse kit that will relocate the fuse to the outside.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
300E
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

The solder would not have come from a blown fuse. I think that the OEM fuse elements are tinned cupronickel. Someone has done some work in there. If you can scrape the solder until it is clean and shiny, try a new fuse. Should work. The compressor should cycle anyway. If it does so quickly, shut off A/C and wait a while before trying again. If it engages and the cycles off, you have another problem as well. Perhaps excessive refrigerant pressure, or belt slippage or bad speed sensor..

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-04-2000).]

Guys, thanks for the help. After doing some further checking I came to the conclusion that the fuse/contact was not causing the problem. Jeff, you were on the money with your suggestion to check out the speed sensor on the compressor. It was bad so I opted to change the relay that controls the compressor. The relay(I'm assuming) either by-passes or disables the speed sensor. I got the part from a local shop that repairs MB relays and other electrical components.

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1986 300SDL 173K
1985 300D [sold]
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