Total electrical failure, engine stoppage, deactivation of ABS, asd, seat belts, electric door locks, lights. When going over a railroad tract, road vibration caused deteriorated wiring insulation (inside a bundle of wires) to fall off causing a massive electrical short circuit. Apparently several model years of these cars were manufactured with wire insulation that 'crumbles' to a powder. This condition is not visible during ordinary inspection and required one to cut open the encapsulated wiring harnesses. Failed wiring harnesses for these cars are common I learned from searching the mdz bulletin boards. I have 6 failed electronic throttle actuators (at $1800 each!!) exhibiting this type of failure. One exhibited uncommanded wide open throttle. The others failed by entering the 'limp home' mode. Mercedes benz north america is aware of this serious defect but refuses to repair or warrant this defective safety system. I was shocked that my car shut off completely and a small fire erupted in the main engine wiring compartment harness.
1994 Mercedes Benz SL electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 13 of 13, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Insulation on electrical wiring crumbles to dust, resulting in shorts, damaged electronics, engine stalling, ABS failure, etc. It appears mbz used defective insulation on the electrical wires in the engine compartment wiring harnesses. In all locations that are exposed to higher than ambient temperature the insulation crumbles to dust. . Dealer says 'its a very common problem with 92-95 model years'. Replacement harnesses cost over $3000 (2 rqd) and replacement components with integral defective wiring cost over $8000 (not including any computer boxes that get damaged by shorts.
The wiring harness to the engine control system developed severe shorts, stalled the engine, disabled the ABS, asr,SRS systems. With engine stalled, steering and braking were difficult and resulted in front end damage from impact to roadside brush and dirt. Wiring insulation inside the wiring bundles had crumbled to dust in many places far removed from the short/minor fire. Car still not operable due to other major wiring harness shorts due to crumbling insulation on the wires (hidden by the bundle jacket) dealer response tough if you had bought it from us, and it was new, maybe, otherwise good bye!
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