Orphan wire when I'm reinstalling engine
 

I've got a '99 E300TD. I had to remove the engine and most of the left front components so some frame work could be done while I was repairing the engine. I'm almost done reinstalling the engine, but I have one 'orphan' connector that I can't find a home for in the left front. I've accounted for the engine harness, the AC, the washer bottle, lights, etc. The connector has two wires - brown/red and brown. The connector is the same size as what goes into the receiver/dryer temperature sensor. The wiring runs as a pair back up over the wheelhouse, and then merges with another cable by the brake cylinder. I can't find any clues on either "alldatadiy" or on "EPC/Startek", and I've looked at all the schematics I can lay hands on. Any clues?

Posting a picture will probably help identify.

Got a few pics.

First - the plug itself - two views:
http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/y.../benzplug4.jpg

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/y.../benzplug3.jpg

Now, showing the location and length of lead. This is in the front left corner by the oil cooler and A/C receiver/dryer.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/y.../benzplug2.jpg

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/y.../benzplug5.jpg

Complete guess - headlamp washer wire but car doesn't have washers? If so, there should be another...

I think is the external temp sensor. search in your front bumper driver side grille

Fabio Daniel

You mean the broken, scraped, shattered pieces of plastic that used to be a bumper cover? The scrap plastic that got manufactured when my teenage son hydroplaned, spun, and wiped out the front corner, starting me on this adventure? :mercy:

BTW, the way he's paying this back is physical labor - he's contributing sweat equity to rebuilding the car, and as a side measure, learning about auto mechanics.

I have an outside air temp sensor - looks like a mutant alien anal probe - in my wiring harness waiting for the bumper cover re-install. The only thing I can think is that maybe the previous poster is correct - it's the wiring for the headlight washer, which isn't installed. The problem with that theory is that the wiring diagram calls for different colored wires for the HCS.

I'm at a loss here.

Just a guess, try brake wear indicator(wire would be coming from the left front wheel up the wheel-well) or hood latch switch at the latch, color seems about right for either one.

Is not the headlight washer mate, i have headlight washers in my car and not have this wire. i only seen this connector style in the external temp sens/presostatic ac valve/ ac compressor clutch/US spec bumper side markers.. no more than this :S

Edit: Oh maybe is the alarm switch under the hood latch (driver side)

Fabio Daniel

That was it. Couldn't see the connector from above - and since I'm over 2m tall, I don't bend down to look at the underside of the hood connector often :)

:) good to know :) hope all s fine bro

Fabio Daniel