W208 CLK 230 Cabrio Electrical Problems

[chris846]

Not sure how to upload images either
if this works, then these images show that the section of wiring and hydraulic hose, which is wrapped in the corrugated conduit, should be straight and rise and fall vertically in a slot in the plastic casing.
Yours looks as though it is buckled, which means that the wiring is probably dmaged inside it.

 

[chris846]

Thinking on - it's not clear from your photos, but you might be missing the plastic cover that goes over the wiring (should be in place on your third picture) it creates the channel for the wiring to move in without kinking.

Maybe somebody removed this in the past because of a problem?

Have a look at the nearside hinge - that'll give you an idea how how it should all be.

 

[rayrichard]

Thank you so much for taking the time to show me Chris, it is so appreciated!

Actually it's just my bad photography, the photo was taken with the cover open, so there is a cover available.

I agree with you that the cables are kinked; I think I will investigate this first.

May I ask how I can test if the wiring is faulty?

I can do a visual inspection, but not too sure what to do after this?

Thanks Chris

 

[chris846]

Don't bother trying to test it electrically at first - If it's an intermittent break, then sod's law says it'll work okay as soon as you try to test it.

By the looks of things you're better off just visually examining the wire to the bow lock switch - sometimes, although the plastic sheathing isn't broken, you can feel a weakness where the conductor inside has snapped.

You can replace the damaged wiring with any old bit of two-core, of equal or greater gauge. The important thing will be to get everything routed properly afterwards - try to straighten the corrugated conduit. I found that binding it in electrical tape kind of got it back into the right sort of shape.

If you end up having to test the wiring, just trace the wire to the connector in the boot below - disconnect it and put a meter across it whilst manually clicking the actual switch - it's just a straightforward normally open contact.