E-Class (W124) 1984-1995: E 260, E 300, E 320, E 420, E 500 (Includes CE, T, TD models)

Cold start Electrical Problem

Old Feb 24, 2008 | 08:18 PM
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1995 e320 sedan
Wink Cold start Electrical Problem

During the colder days this winter when I started the car the stereo and seat heaters had no power. After a few minutes warmup the power returned. Is this normal in a 1995 e320 sedan or if not, where would I begin looking for the cause?
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Old Feb 24, 2008 | 08:52 PM
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1990 300ce 24v I6
Hate to be this guy, but use the search feature in this thread. You should find a TON of related threads.
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Old Feb 24, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
Originally Posted by tok2ross
During the colder days this winter when I started the car the stereo and seat heaters had no power. After a few minutes warmup the power returned. Is this normal in a 1995 e320 sedan or if not, where would I begin looking for the cause?
No, it's not normal. Looking at the wiring schematic, they appear to be different circuits so that's very strange. I don't have a clue offhand but I would start by wiggling wires and connectors around. Also remove and re-insert all the fuses. They sometimes develop loose connections that come and go.

I had a somewhat similar problem where the phone mute wire would ground out when the interior warmed up and mute the radio. I ended up cutting the wire since I didn't use the phone, obviously.
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 08:29 PM
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1995 e320 sedan
I have used the search feature and while there are some articles on power and cold starting nothing specific to my problem or to the w124 was found!
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 08:31 PM
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1995 e320 sedan
Originally Posted by shdoug
No, it's not normal. Looking at the wiring schematic, they appear to be different circuits so that's very strange. I don't have a clue offhand but I would start by wiggling wires and connectors around. Also remove and re-insert all the fuses. They sometimes develop loose connections that come and go.

I had a somewhat similar problem where the phone mute wire would ground out when the interior warmed up and mute the radio. I ended up cutting the wire since I didn't use the phone, obviously.
Thanks for the advice. Its too warm to do much with it now other than re-seat the fuses, clean switches and browse the wiring diagrams over summer.
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 09:31 PM
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1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
Originally Posted by tok2ross
Thanks for the advice. Its too warm to do much with it now other than re-seat the fuses, clean switches and browse the wiring diagrams over summer.
Warm? Where in the world do you live?! Way to rub it in...it's 30°F with a 30 mph wind here.

But not for long- I'm moving to the US Virgin Islands!
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