1997 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)

[tobinen]

I decided to check the fuses and nothing seemed untoward. I swapped the RCM fuse (no.4) for the trailer coupling fuse (no.7, no idea why it's present), started the car and hey-presto, the warning light is off. Perhaps it reset something once disconnected?

The dehumidifier has been in since NYD and has collected about 10mm worth, so it is doing something. That said, it's been very mild anyway.

[tobinen]

Another week or so of water collection. The carpet mats feel damp so I have brought them inside. I am going to buy some more dehumidifier things. Roll on spring!

[tobinen]

A quick blast out yesterday for battery topping-up.

I have a flickering ASR warning light now, mostly in time with the bumps so I have something loose, one would think.

I had to pull boot fuse no.4 again to extinguish the red roof warning bulb after the flat battery upon return from a three-week break. At least it's an easy fix.

[tobinen]

As it's Easter some tinkering. The left mirror glass has always been floppy and never stays in the position I want so I wanted to see what's up. It's a 9-pin mirror but the connector is horizontal and I think the 140 connector is from above. I may remove the CL mirror tomorrow to check. Anyway it's not repairable so I need a new body even though the motor works fine.

A velcro bodge on the eschutcheon. It's very loose so I will search for an intact replacement.



Mirror off

[tobinen]

I have collected another dash light, this time for the seat belt. I tried plugging in the buckles but to no avail. Hopefully this is something simple and not the early signs of a degrading harness.

[tobinen]

Aha, good information, thanks. I had been moving the seat backs during cleaing so perhaps one has not locked back (passenger side most likely)

[tobinen]

A few weeks ago the SRS light went out never to return (other than start-up check). No idea on that but welcome.

Yattendon classic car show today. It's held around the village cricket pitch and a very nice little event indeed.

Some snaps:

[tobinen]

MoT day and it's a pass with one advisory for slight corrosion on the rear subframe. Phew.

[tobinen]

Some minor prep for my Spain trip at the end of the month.
New wiper blade and two bootlid struts ordered with Autodoc, which are original judging by the year code of 1997.

I have found the lever in the headlamps which cuts the left beam pattern from annoying other drivers of RH traffic. A bit fiddly to find but now I know where they are it's a really quick job.

[tobinen]

The last Bicester Scramble of the year today. Some assorted snaps:

[tobinen]

The new boot lid struts are in. A bit better but not the improvement I expected.

The centre brake light does not work and the Internet suggests it could be the wires near the hinge. I may have to bring out the multimeter but in any case the wires appear original. I'll still go to Spain with it not working but would prefer not to attract the Guardia Civil.

[tobinen]

No more progress with the brake light. Electrical stuff is not my strong suit. What I can say is that there is continuity from the manky wires above to the connectors in the unit.

There is mention of a soldering job in the history file from 2016 but no more details.

The back plate of the lamp unit cannot be removed without removing the whole unit. That looks risky as the lens is brittle.

[tobinen]

After some messing about there is 10V present. Looking at the lens it's had a previous repair and it is probably original, thus is 26 years old. Can I be bothered to try and save it? No.

I have ordered a used one from R129 Spares with a 2018 date on it.

[tobinen]

Yes, I think you're correct on the MoT as mine passed recently. I've fiddled with the wires at the boot lid hinge but it does not come on at all. It's faded and chipped so I may as well replace it.

[tobinen]

It's not the one in the ad but it's OK and it works. I had to use a cotton bud to remove some cobwebs



Of course no simple job on a 26 year old car goes smoothly. The previous gorilla has rounded the outer two screws so I can't remove it. I think it's too small to drill so maybe cut a straight line and use a screwdriver.

[tobinen]

That could be an option. I have ordered a Dremel-type thing to cut a straight line across. It's booked in next week for a checkover so as a last resort I will ask the garage.

[tobinen]

the Dremel did the job on one screw and that is out. The last one just turns and turns so I will have to drill it, I think. I was hoping to save the lamp but there is always a risk I will damage it

[tobinen]

It fought me all the way but it's mostly done. The hinge wiring is taped for now and that can wait until after the road trip.

New Dremel thing had to grind off the screw head.



Check that the used one works.



Brake pedal assistant



Click in the red lens and hooray



A few leftover clips



It's booked in Tuesday for a check-over at the garage

[tobinen]

The garage checked it over and it's OK. Minor corrosion on some fuel lines to deal with later. The roof switch light is on and my normal ruse of removing fuse 4 has not worked this time. On the plus side the seatbelt light has gone out.

The boat leaves at 21:30 tonight. The forecast is for a chopping crossing.

[tobinen]