w124 blower problem - fusebox melted in #12

[mattc]

Hi

I have the problem with the melted fuse cup/holder on no#12 fuse. Does anyone have a How To on this as I understand the solution is to fit an external fuse? How much would an auto electrician charge for this?

cheers

matt

 

[Number_Cruncher]

Do you have any unused fuse positions in the fuse box? If you do, you can move the wiring at the back of the fuse box over quite easily.

 

[mattc]

Nice idea - will look tomorrow as cannot be bothered to find torch etc now.

Is lifting one of these fuseboxes a problem to get underneath to move the wires??

 

[Number_Cruncher]

It's really easy - once you've got the lid of the fuse box off, there are a few cross head screws to remove, and the fuses, their panle and wires behind lift out of the top of the box.

When you see "underneath", the wires to each fuse are fitted with screwed fittings, so, you can unscrew the wires and transfer them. It's a job where there will be some unfused live wires exposed, so, being a chicken, I would disconnect the battery - make sure you've got any radio codes etc. to hand.

I've just noticed, your car is not a bottom of the range car! - you might not have any free fuse locations to use - but, it's only a minute's work to check.

 

[mattc]

Right; the car I am refering to is my g/f's e320 estate and it has no free spaces on the fuseboard. I have read about fitting a separate fusebox externally. lifting the panel as you mention above will expose the wires connecting to the fuse cups. I can run wires from those but where would I bring the wires out of the main fuse box etc??

 

[Number_Cruncher]

Towards the front lower edge of the fuse box, you'll find a couple of wiring grommets - if one of these is blank, you can replace it with a grommet with a hole in, and route the wires out of the fusebox there.

Obviously, fitting a fuse externally means that it won't be protected by the fuse box enclosure and seals, and it's probably worth finding a good quality external in-line fuse holder with good sealing and some robust connectors.

 

[kth286]

or you can just change over the whole fuse block for a brand new part from Merc.

 

[mattc]

I just happen to have a spare fuseboard (part number 124 543 1933) on my desk at the moment. Is it a complete pain trying to swap everything over (or is there enough cable underneath to pull the board upwards so access is good?).

If I disconnect the battery and swap the boards over will anything need resetting?? Am I potentially creating more problems than I need?

 

[bolide]

I just happen to have a spare fuseboard (part number 124 543 1933) on my desk at the moment. Is it a complete pain trying to swap everything over (or is there enough cable underneath to pull the board upwards so access is good?).

Don't bother - fit an external fuse. Fitting all the cables to the underside of the fusebox would drive you insane

Nick Froome

 

[mattc]

Don't bother - fit an external fuse. Fitting all the cables to the underside of the fusebox would drive you insane

It does have the look of balls ache all over it..will go down the external fuse path methinks.