How do I tell if wiring harness is original or replacement?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
How do I tell if wiring harness is original or replacement?
Hey Guys,
What are the tell tale signs if a wiring harness is original (besides the deteriorating and corrosion) or a replacement? I have narrowed my problem down to the Electronic accelerator control module or the Wire harness. Just trying to figure it out.
Thanks
What are the tell tale signs if a wiring harness is original (besides the deteriorating and corrosion) or a replacement? I have narrowed my problem down to the Electronic accelerator control module or the Wire harness. Just trying to figure it out.
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
I'm not sure, but I believe there may be a prefix "S" in front of the part number for the replacement part. The part number is on a tag located one or two feet from the bulkhead connector along the wire bundle.
Keep in mind that if the wiring was replaced early in the life of the car, Mercedes had a policy where dealers were to first use up the old (defective) stock before selling or installing the good stuff.
I went ahead and took care of the ETA on my car as preventive measure. The wires were BAD.
Keep in mind that if the wiring was replaced early in the life of the car, Mercedes had a policy where dealers were to first use up the old (defective) stock before selling or installing the good stuff.
I went ahead and took care of the ETA on my car as preventive measure. The wires were BAD.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
If it's bad it will be very stiff. I once found a source online (maybe ebay?) that sold reconditioned ETAs for around $400. Otherwise I think they are $1200+.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
wire harness good or bad?
I checked the thing out and it looks very good. The wires under the insulation are , by appearence, in great shape. There is no cracking or splitting or crumbling at all. Is there a way to tell by the part number? I found the sticker for the harness and i wonder if I can use that to determine if it is a replacement or not?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I checked the thing out and it looks very good. The wires under the insulation are , by appearence, in great shape. There is no cracking or splitting or crumbling at all. Is there a way to tell by the part number? I found the sticker for the harness and i wonder if I can use that to determine if it is a replacement or not?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: Orland Park, Illinois
1994 E320 (current)
harness
The main harness doesn't look bad at all. However today while looking for an oil leak (which I found at the oil filter housing) i noticed a second set of wires coming of a sensor that looks just like every picture I have seen of the biodegradable wire harness. I am hoping it is a secondary less expensive harness but with my luck it will not be.
