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Windshield wipers and horn...electrically related?

Started by macatron, 18 October 2006, 11:49 AM

macatron

Hello All,

Both my windshield wipers and horn have ceased to work.  Although I can't confirm it, it seems they both stopped working at the same time.  Both worked fine when I bought the car 8 months ago and I don't drive the car that often so I can't imagine why they would have failed.

I thought maybe they both worked on a single circuit and perhaps the fuse had blown.  However, all fuses seem to be intact.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,


Mike

Andrew116

Hello there, Macatron!  :)
I also encountered some problems with my 280SE's electrics. My fog lights, windshield wipers and sprinklers failed me at the same time... and yap, it was the fuse - they are on the same one.  ;)  Don't know about the horn, 'cus mine was working then.
On my controls panel I have a switch for either horn or trumpets. I only use the trumpets so if they were on a different fuse, it is possible that my horn won't work neither. If your horn is electrical and not air-pressured, try tuning the screw on the horn. Oh, and listen carefull when you honk if there is still a click or buzzing sound from the horn or see if any of the lights on the dash or panel weakens in glow.
Then it's possible that your horn is gone.  :( (I now mine are allmost there  ;D)

Whatever the cause, probably the other members could give more clues about that, as they did for my dash.  ;)
Goodluck!

macatron

Thanks for the response, Andrew116!

On further inspection, it appears as though all my fuses are intact.  However, I suspect that corrosion may be preventing good conduction.  I'll replace them all, I suspect.

In my shop manual, it appears that some cars had a fuse diagram on the inside of the fuse box lid.  Does anyone have either a copy or a link that could help me figure out which fuse is for which component(s)?

Thanks,


Mike

macatron

Hi All,

Here's probably another newbie tip but something I just learned at the incredible M-B Classic Center in Irvine that I'm fortunate to work just down the street from.

If fuses appear intact yet an electrical component has stopped working, just "roll" the fuses while they're still in place - no need to remove them from the box.  This breaks loose any corrosion.

Immediately, my horn and windshield wipers started working.

Anyway, I know we've got a lot of experts here but maybe if newbies know some more easy tricks, these cars just might just be demystified and stay on the road a little bit longer.

So far, I've learned my M-B is not necessarily harder to work on than the American cars I'm more familiar with - they're just different.

oscar

Hi macatron,

You're right, all you may need to do is just rotate them and I'm glad it worked.  I just recently replaced mine and found afew of them were falling apart where the ends contacted the connections.  Although I too have spun the fuses to ensure good contact, this most likely caused the ends of a few fuses to have a round split on the ends.  They still worked BTW, I just thought I'd replace them.

Another thing, at mercedessource click on http://www.mercedessource.com/store/categorysearch.php?category=ELC&keyword=116, they supply upgraded fuses for $11US and there's an interesting small write up on the cause of corrosion at the fuse tips.

Regarding the fuse diagram, I posted a copy once but found michaeld's instead, I'm sure he wont mind me linking to it.http://forum.w116.org/index.php/topic,224.msg1809.html#msg1809.
1973 350SE, my first & fave

macatron

Much appreciated, Oscar.  I hate to say it but it looks like I'm one of those that's guilty of not searching older posts!  Well, newbie mistakes will be made as I learn, I suppose!  Thanks again!

BAR

The old coated fuse problem.

This seemingly strange phenomenon can also cause the radio to turn off and on.  Yep: mine kept switching off and back on when I hit a bump in the road or join between two concrete sections of road.

So before buying a new radio, roll the fuse or replace it!

oscar

Quote from: macatron on 19 October 2006, 08:47 PM
Much appreciated, Oscar.  I hate to say it but it looks like I'm one of those that's guilty of not searching older posts!  Well, newbie mistakes will be made as I learn, I suppose!  Thanks again!

Don't fear the search nazis, I'm pretty sure there aren't any here.   Searches can be good but still annoying; eg, I couldn't find my posted fuse diagram.   

Better off just asking a question then get pointed in the right direction, hopefully it's been covered in depth before.  If not, old threads or topics get new or updated info added.  (It also gives a novice like me to post links and appear like an expert  :D )
1973 350SE, my first & fave