E300 D 1996 electrical problem

[radunegru]

I had multiple electrical problems but this looks like a very strange one.
Lately when I start the car the SRS light dos not come on and upon starting the following devices are not working: radio, cigarette lighter,wiper and water splash.
after few minutes of normal idling the SRS come on stays on for 3-4 second than all comes back to normal.
This problem was very sporadic maybe once a week than once a day than 4 out of five starts. Sometimes I have to restart the car to get the wiper going.
Please give me the idea where to start.

[radunegru]

still the same issue ...
by reading a lot of posts I decided to change the ignition switch and I have run in to problems. I don't know how to remove the switch without damaging anything. Also it is necessary to remove the steering wheel and the dash?

[pimpernell]

Originally Posted by radunegru

still the same issue ...
by reading a lot of posts I decided to change the ignition switch and I have run in to problems. I don't know how to remove the switch without damaging anything. Also it is necessary to remove the steering wheel and the dash?

Before I would change out the ignition switch, I would check all fuses, both in the engine bay, on the left side of the dashboard, and under the rear seat. Just don't look at them, remove, test, clean and replace if still good. I had a similar issue with the wiper, washer not working, and it was intermittent. Looked at the fuse, and it was not blown, but upon further inspection, it turned out that the fuse holder contacts were oxidized, and would cause the fuse to make intermittent contact. Used electrical contact cleaner, and all is well. I am not sure if the K-40 relay would cause any of the issues you have, but that is easy and cheap to replace. Good luck!!

[radunegru]

Thanks for the replay.I will follow your advice and check all fuses.I want to mention that the heated seat are not working[actually the light on the switch is very pale and no heat on the seat]
Also sometimes under heavy acceleration the glow plug light is blinking.

[benhogan]

Originally Posted by pimpernell

Before I would change out the ignition switch, I would check all fuses, both in the engine bay, on the left side of the dashboard, and under the rear seat. Just don't look at them, remove, test, clean and replace if still good. I had a similar issue with the wiper, washer not working, and it was intermittent. Looked at the fuse, and it was not blown, but upon further inspection, it turned out that the fuse holder contacts were oxidized, and would cause the fuse to make intermittent contact. Used electrical contact cleaner, and all is well. I am not sure if the K-40 relay would cause any of the issues you have, but that is easy and cheap to replace. Good luck!!

+1 on that. that happened to me too. the fuse looked perfectly fine until I took it out. one end was burned so there was no contact but from the top, it looked fine.