Electric issues

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crazycat
Posts: 49
Joined: 22 Jun 2009 10:16 pm

Electric issues

Post by crazycat » 26 Aug 2010 06:15 pm

hi there,

after changing the left parking light bulb yesterday, i somehow managed to get the whole light electrics messed up.

-all fuses are intact

- Whenever i put the light switch to 1 or 2, ignition turns off, starter, fan and wipers still work. when the engine is running it will stop when you put light on
- After removing fuse no. 5 left parking light/interior light the ignition/light is okay, engine runs, but only rear light and right parking light is working
- flasher still works, but high beam won't lock
- light relay is intact but theres no current on the relay when turning the light on
- no current on front light fuses!

i have no idea what the mistake could be, if anyone has a wiring diagram, it'd be very helpful!

regards

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Electric issues

Post by Ride_on » 27 Aug 2010 12:44 pm

It can be hard to diagnose that sort of thing remotely like this, you need the Haynes manual with the circuit diagrams, an essential part of 300 series maintenance. There are plenty on ebay.

Retrace your steps and check what connectors you have pulled off or what are you have been working nearby. You could have disturbed something or shorted something, or perhaps there is a loose connection. Have you used the right wattage of bulb, is it in the socket properly, have you bent the socket connectors or is it shorting on something?

Also, it may just be your use of language, but you don't see to know the different between voltage and current. Voltage is there without a load provided there is a connection, it is mostly voltage you are checking upto the point of load, current will not flow without the circuit being closed with a load. Sorry if I'm being pedantic, I have an Electronics background.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

crazycat
Posts: 49
Joined: 22 Jun 2009 10:16 pm

Re: Electric issues

Post by crazycat » 27 Aug 2010 01:19 pm

sorry for language; I don't know if German 'Spannung' translates to voltage or current as the dictionary says both are possible, thanks for pointing out

I've checked all of the plugs and connections i had touched before. i also found out that the parking light bulb wasnt broken at all, so there must have been something wrong before. maybe a short-cicuit on the interior lights?

Ride_on
Posts: 2262
Joined: 26 May 2009 05:34 pm
Location: Belfast, N. Ireland

Re: Electric issues

Post by Ride_on » 28 Aug 2010 03:27 pm

Checking on the Internet it seem to mean literally 'tension' which means Voltage (like pressure), current is about flow. In English we only refer to high voltage as 'High Tension', eg in the ignition circuit or power transmission lines.
1980 345 DL_______1987 360 GLE (project car restored to GLT spec and B230FT'd)
1984 360 GLT______1987 360 GLT
1983 360 GLS______1989 360 GLE
1985 340 GL_______1986 340 1.4
1985 360 GLS______1995 940 SE 2.3 Turbo Estate (daily)
1987 340 GL 1.7

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