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Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: 280s guest on 25 July 2020, 04:01 AM

Title: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: 280s guest on 25 July 2020, 04:01 AM
Hi W116 fans,

We inherited a W116 280s (I have attached 2 photos) and there are two wires just hanging around loose. Any ideas what they should be connected to?
Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: Nabstud on 25 July 2020, 07:18 AM
Definitely looks aftermarket. Where does the other end go? Did it have driving lights?
Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: Big Tiny on 25 July 2020, 05:54 PM
Aftermarket crimping for sure.

Anything on the car not working ?

Any aftermarket switches in the car ?

Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: daantjie on 25 July 2020, 05:57 PM
Looks like they run to the Ignition Control Module.   Maybe a anti theft gizmo to prevent starting?
Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: 280s guest on 26 July 2020, 10:33 AM
Thanks a mil for the replies.

So the wires come out from that box (see photo) the vehicle usually starts but the other morning it cranked and just kept cranking and even turning the ignition off did not stop the starter motor turning.... Had to quickly disconnect the battery to stop it. Now I am a bit worried.

There are some Hella spot lights on the vehicle but not even sure if they work or not.

Do you think the lose wires have anything to do with the constant cranking?
Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: raueda1 on 26 July 2020, 03:28 PM
They're aftermarket for sure.  Could be anything.  I think you need to bite the bullet and trace them to see where they go.  Otherwise everybody is just stabbing in the dark.  But my gut tells me the the engine cranking is unrelated.
Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: Alec300SD on 26 July 2020, 03:51 PM
Starter continuing to run with the key off is probably due to sticking contacts in the ignition electrical switch.
Title: Re: 280s - lose wires - any ideas?
Post by: 280s guest on 28 July 2020, 05:18 AM
Thank you all again for your time and responses. Really appreciated.
I will trace and tape up the wires to make sure they are not shorting out on any body parts and see if the cranking issue is resolved.

Thanks again to you all