Diesel RVs: Re: [diesel_mercedes] Re: antenna 300sd

Chuck,

Open the trunk, pull off the left side trunk liner (two metal spring clips along the top edge and one phillips head screw, down toward the back edge of the wheel well).

Then you will see the antenna's motor body. There is a wire coming off the antenna just below the fender. Ignore that, that's the antenna lead. From the top of the motor body, there is a cable that runs to a connector on a frame on the rear surface of the wheel well. That's the power line. Unplug it. See if that ends your battery drain.

If it does, then you have a problem in the antenna motor body. If the drain persists, then there is a different problem. While I remain skeptical of the antenna power line being the problem, you can further check it by disconnecting at the radio end of the line. Or by pulling the radio fuse (which also powers some other things).

DO NOT replace stuff without first establishing that it NEEDS to be replaced. That just leads to more confusion. If you get confused enough, you end up voting republican, and then you've just go more troubles.

Tom

In a message dated 9/21/2011 2:09:53 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jcrcpa@tx.rr.com writes:

I can see I have my detective work to do. The mech wanted $$$ to replace. I will do that myself. I think I replaced one on my previous 300sd, but that was 15+/- years ago!!

First track down the source, then I will tackle the fix. Another wonderful Saturday task. Also while all this was happening, the odometer stopped working. Speedometer works, as well as all other gauges.

Thanks
Chuck

--- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, audiolaw@... wrote:
>
> Chuck,
>
> As I recall, both the antenna lead and, MUCH MORE LIKELY PROBLEM, the
> antenna motor power lines run through that footwell.
>
> HOWEVER, they run in a plastic channel that has a cover, protected
> from damage by foot traffic. Pull up the carpets and see. There should be no
> breaks, cracks, etc. in the lines that would water in to short out.
>
> How about water running down the inside of the antenna tube, if there
> is disintegration of the weather washer at the fender? If water got into
> the motor assembly, it could cause shorting.
>
> Tom
>
>
>
> In a message dated 9/21/2011 11:58:45 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> jcrcpa@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> Battery drain on 84 300sd diagnosed by shop as antenna shorting out. But I
> have found water in the left rear passenger footwell. I need to find that
> a/c tube and repair/replace. Question. does the antenna wire run through
> that footwell? If so could that have been shorting out the antenna?
>
> Thanks,
> Chuck
>