Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: htunga on May 15, 2022, 21:13:35

Title: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: htunga on May 15, 2022, 21:13:35

Hi to all, today for the second time, my 1969 280SL suddenly had a temporary electrical collapse while driving. The lights, the radio were off  and the engine stopped for some seconds, then everything came back by itself and my drive continued. What was the reason for this and where to look for the problem. Thanks for all answers in

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: Cees Klumper on May 16, 2022, 03:09:10

Suggest you check the battery cable connections, both at the battery and where the cables lead to, being the starter motor and the chassis and engine. As well as the cables themselves. A poor connection will cause such symptoms. And perhaps your ignition switch or its plug connector is having issues.
Good luck, I'm sure others with more knowledge about electricals will have more suggestions.

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: lpeterssen on May 16, 2022, 11:05:14

Dear Friends

I agree with Cees suggestions.  The most probable culprit of that problem is your ignition tumbler switch. That component is responsible of bringing current to all T15 circuits.  Check the quality of the connections on its back.  If all are tight enough, then proceed to buy immediately a new tumbler switch because you will get stranded at any moment.

Best regards
Eng.L.peterssen

Link of one I found on eBay cheap

https://www.ebay.com/itm/144026160830?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2qLQlvLKTPa&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=xQJlZWrBRO-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: htunga on May 17, 2022, 15:06:35

thanks for the answer. Where is this part on the engine? I am a new Pagoda owner and do not have too much knowledge but I am good at learning.

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: htunga on May 17, 2022, 15:07:38

thanks for the comment

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: Lori on May 17, 2022, 16:44:59

As you are a full member, take a look at the tech manual. 
https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/IgnitionSwitch#NoStart

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: Cees Klumper on May 17, 2022, 17:51:08

That part I also replaced a couple years ago, as my Pagoda was getting harder and harder to start. Purchased it from a web-vendor in the Uk at that time, since prices were all over the place (and high) with the usual vendors.
It is plugged into the back of the ignition switch behind the dashboard, a bit cumbersome to replace as I recall, but not too bad. Now I can start the car the way it is supposed to again, instead of via an auxiliary switch I had rigged up.

Title: Re: Electricity Disfunction
Post by: BartSt on May 18, 2022, 06:09:05

As you are a new member .. the simple explanation is ... behind your key in the dashboard
So your next chapter will be how to remove the instrument panels in your dash to get top the ignition.
Google my post, had the same problem. Leo helped me tremendously as well.
Best,
Bart