W124 Mercedes Fuses

[Blackman]

My fuses on the W124 are playing up badly in the recent few days. Probably due to cold weather or maybe because they're too old, don't know...but it's definitely annoying...

Sometimes my wiper stops working, sometimes the rear demister or the screen wash, or I can't flash my lights, electric windows, etc.

I'm sure it's the fuses, because whenever I take them out, clean, put back - they work, but few hours later the same thing happens.

Where can I get new ones? I'm guessing Mercedes only? I don't know any shop that sells these type of old fuses.

 

[LastMinute]

I would have thought any decent auto-electrical place would have them. Halfords call them Continental fuses.

 

[Blackman]

I would have thought any decent auto-electrical place would have them. Halfords call them Continental fuses.

Oh crap, even Halfords sell them. I didn't know they're called Continental fuses, so was looking at regular blade ones, and thought that's all they have...

Is it ok to get them from Halfords? Are they decent quality?

 

[LastMinute]

I don't think there's too much to get wrong when you're making a fuse from one piece of plastic and one piece of metal, so I wouldn't be overly concerned about quality. I've bought them from Halfords in the past and they certainly fitted in place and conducted electricity, though I can't remember whether any of them got tested to destruction...

From M-B they're less than £1 each, so if you only want one it'll be cheaper than buying a pack from Halfords.

 

[Blackman]

Alright, thanks. I've ordered 10 of each from a eBay for 5-ish, so much better value than Halfords

Happy Christmas!

 

[Blackman]

Replaced all the fuses with the brand-new ones, but the problem is still there and it constantly comes and goes.

Rear demister still not working, washer fluid system/wiper is dead, electric windows sometimes work and sometimes don't....

What else can it be?

Could it be a dodgy installation of my Clifford alarm? But everything was fine for about 5-6 months before this happened.

P.S. Merry Christmas

 

[Druk]

Combination relay?

 

[Blackman]

Combination relay?

Which one is that? I also tried replacing the white relay, which didn't make any difference.

 

[Druk]

iirc it's the long relay in the rear box behind the fuses. N10 I think. They suffer from dry joints. It's been suggested a piece of folded paper sqeezed between it and the box side can help temporarily.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/gene...-e220-estate-tidy-up-will-i-ever-learn-2.html



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[Sickpuppy e220]

Just out of interest. Does your fuse box have a cover?
If so. Assuming it does. Check the seals as damp air condensing on terminals could give grief. No cover will obviously give the same issue.
I have noticed in the past whilst rummaging around the local scrap yard that most of the w124s seem to suffer corrosion in the fusebox. Mainly the spares at the front.
Wd40 could be worth a try.

 

[Blackman]

Just out of interest. Does your fuse box have a cover?
If so. Assuming it does. Check the seals as damp air condensing on terminals could give grief. No cover will obviously give the same issue.
I have noticed in the past whilst rummaging around the local scrap yard that most of the w124s seem to suffer corrosion in the fusebox. Mainly the spares at the front.
Wd40 could be worth a try.

Yes, it's got cover. I'll check the relay tomorrow and will probably have to replace it.

Is this relay responsible for electric windows as well? I've read that it's for hazard warning lights, indicators, wiper/wash system and the rear heated window?

 

[e320cdiowner]

I also own a w124 e300d since 1997 . I did install a clifford alarm with remote start in 1998 . The clifford relay contacts got burned within weeks . So I replaced the clifford relays with a higher rated contacts from Farnel electronics . You can also get them from RS components but they are expensive. to date now I had no problems with it.
Mind you I did update the alternator as well to a later 100A one . you also have to the plugs on the alternator as well.

If you put a voltmeter across the battery you realise that the old 70amp alternator was not good enough if you had the lights, blower and wiper switched on.

 

[e320cdiowner]

sorry , answering to the point it could be a dodgy relay contact on the clifford alarm. Best thing is to trace the where the voltage disappears from the fuse .

To do this you need a voltmeter and a circuit diagram.

 

[Blackman]

Problem solved.

I replaced the fuses, but I didn't clean the contacts properly, as there was still some hardened bits left from the old ones, thus causing problems. I've had another go today, and it's all sparkling there now!

So happy that everything's working now

Happy New Year!

 

[dinoy]

what did u use to clean them

 

[Blackman]

what did u use to clean them

I used a sharp nail just to get the hardened bits off, and then wiped everything with a piece of thin cloth.

 

[daveaston]

Once you have got the contacts clean, Its well worth using something like Contralube 770. I've been using it on electrical connectors and continental fuses and terminals for some time now. It prevents oxidisation in harsh environments.

Google it or find it at Maplins.

Cheers, Dave

 

[rumelk]

im having the same problem. Windows dont work, wipers, stereo and rear demister. Did you change all the fuses or just some?

I've got a bag full of these continental fuses will clean and change for new ones. its very odd though, as i gave the car in for a service and it was fine, but when returned all the above stopped working? (i've got a W124 '93)

 

[bolide]

Scotchbrite works well to clean fuses & fuseholders and it's not too aggressive

Nick Froome

 

[rumelk]

i've changed all the fuses as well as cleaning all he contacts yet no luck. I've also checked the relays behind the fuse box and yet nothing.

However last night, i turned the key 1/4 of the way to find out, everything works - wipers, windows, cigerette lighter and stereo. As soon as i go to turn the engine on, all the above shut down again

Any ideas?

Thanks