strange electrical fault

[ezz]

Hi all, I'm new to this forum but have a strange fault on a W140 S280 (1996)
Intermitently the wipers stop working, radio goes dead, srs light illuminates dimly, rear vanity mirrors go dead, glove box light goes dim and indicating right causes left indicator to flash, indicating left nothing. ???????????
All this happens together and few minutes later all works fine. The stalk has been checked, indicator relay replaced, any ideas ? ? ?

Eric....

[///S320]

What happens to the engine? Does it loose power?

Just for a quick check, look at your battery for some clue.

[Rainmaker]

Hey Ezz, I have that SAME PROBLEM!!! it started after i used some windex to clean the interior wood... it has never happened before, but now it happens every few days... i don't know if the windex shorted out some wiring harnesse...

These are my symptoms:
1) Right Indicator causes the Left indicator to flash
2) Left Indicator does NOT work
3) SRS light illuminates dimly
4) Power seats don't function
5) Windows don't function
6) Rear Sunshade doesn't function
7) Radio goes on and off continuously

But I noticed that engaging the High Beams momentarily seems to make the problem go away for awhile... Very strange...

Rainmaker

[ezz]

Thanks for the replies,
Interesting someone with the exact same fault, have also found a guy with an SL300 of the same age doing the same. The engine has no loss of power, battery has been checked, and alternator functioning ok only 6 months old. I haven't used any windex but i now noticed the main beam flasher also cease to operate when the fault occurs, still searching for a cause/solution.

Eric....

[Rainmaker]

Hi is anyone else still seeing this strange electrical fault? I still can't figure out the problem:

Sometimes when I first start the car:

1) Right Indicator causes the Left indicator to flash
2) Left Indicator does NOT work
3) SRS light illuminates dimly
4) Power seats don't function
5) Windows don't function
6) Rear Sunshade doesn't function
7) Radio goes on and off continuously

But when I flick the highbeam (pull the lever momentarily), the problem goes away, and I can drive fine.

It only happens when I start the car, and it only happens sometimes.

Thanks,
Rainmaker

[guydewdney]

i have no solution - BUT - check though this site very carefully and you might find al the systems use a common earth or somthing...
http://www.autolib.diakom.ru:8001/CAR/Mercedes-Benz/1997/S420/SYSTEM%20WIRING%20DIAGRAMS/

[MRTIKKET]

My guess is that your wiring harness is on its' last legs. The death of the wiring harness is very common in the 140's and costs huge dollars to replace. Have fun!

[mercS600]

I had the same fault on my '92 600sel.Put it in to my main stealers and had the multi-function relay replaced (under warranty).This cured the fault which i also had previously on a '94 s320.[:)]

[chuckindetroit]

Guydewdney, thanks very much for the link. You can backtrack through the site for other year/model wiring diagrams. Very helpfull!!!

[Rainmaker]

Thanks for the info guys! I will get a new Multi-Function relay. Does anyone happen to have a diagram of its location?

Thanks,
Derek