R230 SL350 Fuse Blowing

[jareddavis]

If anyone can help, my 2004 Sl350 keeps blowing the PSE fuse and I am somewhat confused.

Previously had the pump replaced and protected new one in bubblewrap. This allowed water to get in and soak the sponge (clearly thought I had done a good job) but having checked the pump, its all in order. Took it out of the casing and all clean and fine. The plugs are slightly tarnished but I think that is from the previous time the pump actually blew. Having dried the boot out completely and the sponging, thought I had finally solved it. Ran the central locking on and off and all fine. Then I went on holiday, left the car unlocked and the moment I drive off in it and lock it, the fuse blows.

The fuse has now blown half a dozen times and each time I think its solved, the fuse blows again. I cannot work out what is happening so wondered if anyone knows what other electrical items run on the same path as the PSE? or is the symptons point to anything else?

Regards
Jared

 

[lxi]

Had exactly the same on one of mine - turned out nothing to do with moisture - the problem was the actual compressor blades which eventually decided to self destruct the whole rotor mechanism, leaving a pristine circuit board & motor, all scrap due to a component that would have cost about £10.00 but is not available separately. Cold weather contributed I believe as tolerances would be that bit tighter when cold

 

[richard]

Fuse only feeds the PSE - so PSE is drawing too much current. Do NOT increase size of fuse - I have seen the result which is the loom between PSE and fusebox melts. Luckily it melted rather than caught fire - and it was a MB dealer that did that ....

PSE will be drawing too much current due to something internal failing .. as lxi says not much really replaceable.

Richard

 

[richard]

BTW, please please ensure that the boot key lock works and if not that you keep the boot cover across. At least that way you can open then roof to get in the boot to get at the pump should the pump fail completely and the lock play up.

R

 

[jareddavis]

Thanks LCD and Richard.

So I either have to replace pse again, which by the way does seem worse in cold but I left car in garage for a week this time and that didn't help, or try which other component is failing. Is it likely that could be found on star? My other thoughts whether an air leak could cause the pse to overheat though I tried listening to see how long it makes a noise for and tat seems normal.

This all started when the boot battery kept going flat in cold and setting alarm off and e assuming it was the stuck multi cd causing the drain but it wasn't. Just ont a hefty mb bill trying to suss the problem!

Help is appreciated.

 

[jareddavis]

Lxi stupid iPad predictive text!

 

[Clkrichard]

Jared I read somewhere on here, or on the forums of the other site, about a firm in Greenwich who refurb PSE pumps for something like £400 if thats any help ?
I am having my leaky boot sorted soon and wondered about wrapping cling film round the upper foam block in the meantime. That would stop it absorbing water and dripping that on to the unit below.
Anyone see any downside to that ?

 

[lxi]

I did once see a thread from someone who stripped one down mechanically & cleaned & lubed the compressor vanes - either this site or the other side & some time ago. The PSE has three basic elements - circuit board, motor & compressor. The compressor is the simple sliding vane centrifugal type

 

[jareddavis]

Thanks. So basically you the saying its still likely to be the pse and not another device causing the problem! A grand every 3years Ida bit much for a new pump!

 

[jareddavis]

Update on the pse problem. I stripped the pump down, removed the impeller and gave the Motor a few spins by hand and rebuilt. So far it's working perfectly! Locked and unlocked doors 20 plus times, left car overnight, driven it parked it and all still working fine. Will see how things pan out....

 

[richard]

Excellent ! Did you take any pictures ?

R

 

[jareddavis]

Aah well took a quick picture of the pump and motor to ensure it went back together properly but that's it! I took the information from this helpful link


http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r230-sl-class/1628379-r230-sl-55-amg-pse-pump.html

Still going strong today