W107 - Rear Screen heater/ heater controls/noisy steering

[Hoks]

After much debating on whether I should get a new car or old car! I am now a happy new owner of a mechanically sound/good condition 1980 380SL but I am trying to slowly correct the smaller problems with my SL. I would be really grateful if anyone can offer some valuable advise on:

1: My hardtop's rear screen heater/de-mist doesn't work? The button on dash will light but won't stay in, and even if it is kept pressed there is no function. What is wrong here? Is there some connections between the hardtop and the car?

2. My main heater gives out maximum heat even if the controls are only on slightly warm. It basically goes from very hot to cold air....?? It is an annoying problem on long journeys! Can anyone help?

3. On cold starts, the steering gives a noisy whirr when steered, but this noise disappears once the car has warmed up. The power steering fluid is topped up regularly. What might be the problem here?

Apart from the problems mentioned above, I am very happy with the car. Another small problem is the leak around the bootlid seal causing water to appear in boot. I have ordered a new seal ready to solve the problem...

Your help is much appreciated....

Hoks

 

[neileg]

1: My hardtop's rear screen heater/de-mist doesn't work? The button on dash will light but won't stay in, and even if it is kept pressed there is no function. What is wrong here? Is there some connections between the hardtop and the car?
The button doesn't stay in, it latches a relay. There's a lead from the hardtop with a two pin plug. The socket on the car is behind a cover with press studs. Should be fairly obvious. After 24 years, the contacts or the cable may be pretty tired.

2. My main heater gives out maximum heat even if the controls are only on slightly warm. It basically goes from very hot to cold air....?? It is an annoying problem on long journeys! Can anyone help?
Sorry, don't know.

3. On cold starts, the steering gives a noisy whirr when steered, but this noise disappears once the car has warmed up. The power steering fluid is topped up regularly. What might be the problem here?
I would check the condition and tightness of the drive belt. Sounds like it's slipping when the load is greatest, i.e. when cold.

 

[Hoks]

Thanks for the reply....

I cannot recall seeing a cable coming out of my hardtop!?? I must look harder when I remove it later this weekend, ready for Spring and Summer!

The reply to my steering question is very useful too...

Thanks again...

 

[DWB!]

107 RS Heater

Hoks,

Your rear screen heater cable should come out of the font pillar (drivers side) in front of the rear quarter light (just above where the drivers seat belt recesses).

Below this should be a leather(ette) flap, inside here is the socket to contact the two up.

This is a majorly untechnical job, something that can be done in a pair of well pressed slacks and an open neck shirt a la the marketing info (i.e. one that I can do).

At the very least you should be able to detect your flap & socket, the cable may have been lost in time.

I hope this helps and I haven't made an untechnical task sound complicated.

Cheers & happy SL'ing
DWB!

 

[Mikesmerc]

Hello all
my 72 350sl power steering gives an unusual whirring sound occasionally and its not a loose belt screech. Just wondering if its the same. Sorry no help here.

Regards
Mike

 

[Hoks]

Hmmm....no lead

Just taken my hardtop off to see the sun, but to my surprise....no cable coming out of it for the screen heater connections........any idea of how I can wire one back in?

Hoks

 

[guydewdney]

the wirring might be motor mounts - the engine is under a bit more strain when the oil is cold, and thus the vibration / whirr is more evident.

when the engine is warm, try moving the steering to full lock - does the noise return? Does the noise get worse when doing this with a cold engine? is there a bit of vibration coming through the gearbox / floor?



the epc picture looks like the connector for the window heater is by the back left...

 

[Andy]

Hi

Before replacing the seal on the hard top. I would remove the hard top & inspect for corrosion. Insect around the boot area for corrosion.


When taking of the roof. The connector for the HRW should be on the ns just above the door catch if memory serves correctly. But it should dffinately be hanging down when the roof is removed.

The heater problem. Remove both undertrays. By the tunnel you will see a gold colour 10mm head nut. This is for the main flap. Check if they have come loose (usually do) & tighten with the flap switch in the approriate possition.

Hope this helps.

Regards


Andy@ www.mercedesservicing.com