Author Topic: No power to fusebox  (Read 4128 times)

jackhughes81

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No power to fusebox
« on: May 31, 2014, 06:04:03 »
I suddenly have no power to anything...  when the key is turned to on, typical radio and accessories power up-- including the fuel pump.
I am replacing the fuel pump, and somehow blew the 8a fuse.  Replaced and now no power to anything...  any hints where to start?  My ignition switch has been a huge issue and requires the key to be jiggled to move to start position.  Thru this wiggle action, the tumbler is visibly rotated clockwise.  My question is--  so I need to remove and get to ignition switch?  I see posts about it being a real pain..  jack

ja17

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Re: No power to fusebox
« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2014, 12:42:51 »
Check and double check the battery connection, especially if you have the bolt on replacement cable ends.  Take the ends apart, if so, and clean the connection.
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

jpinet

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Re: No power to fusebox
« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2014, 15:15:00 »
I suddenly have no power to anything...  when the key is turned to on, typical radio and accessories power up-- including the fuel pump.
I am replacing the fuel pump, and somehow blew the 8a fuse.  Replaced and now no power to anything...  any hints where to start?  My ignition switch has been a huge issue and requires the key to be jiggled to move to start position.  Thru this wiggle action, the tumbler is visibly rotated clockwise.  My question is--  so I need to remove and get to ignition switch?  I see posts about it being a real pain..  jack

JAck,

There is no master fuse on these cars. If you lost all power and you have eliminated a battery problem, or main cable problem, the only other logical place is the ignition switch. Given the issues you described with it, that's what I'd investigate.

The back part of your key tumbler has two 'teeth' that fit into he steering lock which in turn has a 'tooth' that that fits into the electrical part of the ignition switch. If that's out of place for any reason, the contact can't be made and you can't start your car.

For example, the electrical part of my ignition switch had worked itself loose form the mechanical part of it and that was enough for me to not have contact if I turned my key but a hair width of it's spot. I'd drive and power would cut of suddenly. Can't drive like that!

You can always get the tumbler out form the front, I hear. But I had to undo instruments and steering column to be able to get to the back of the ignition switch. It's a pain, yes. But you don't need to be a rocket scientist. Difficult but not complex, if you see what I mean.

A tip by the way. If you undo your electrical wires from your switch, be sure to note their place. It's a tight spot to screw them in and you don't want to redo it. Ask me how I know!

Ask if you need assistance! I know many of us here have had to work on similar issues.

Cees Klumper

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Re: No power to fusebox
« Reply #3 on: May 31, 2014, 15:47:07 »
Do your lights turn on? Those don't go via the ignition switch, at least not on my 280 SL (which is why I have returned to an empty-batteried car a few times :-(  )
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

garymand

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Re: No power to fusebox
« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2014, 23:03:49 »
I had my switch break.  The plastic broke loose from the metal.  Luckily it was just a little loose so I could trouble shoot the issues.  I had to replace the switch.  Lets hope that is not your probelm.  But, yes, check the battery, and lights.  The lights have two fuses 9 and 10.  But they are fed through the foot dimmer switch and the rotory light switch: turn on the lights to energize fuse 9 & 10. 
Gary
Early 250SL German version owned since 71, C320, R350, 89 Porsche 944 Turbo S