Aux fan (low) fuse?

[J. M. van Swaay]

My e320 (104 6 cylinder, not the V8) was running a bit warm in stop/go traffic, also noticed ac seemed to cycle off more than it should. Traced problem to burnt aux fan fuse (fuse D). Fuse was badly melted. It was a white one, I think they are 7.5 amp. That seems a bit light for aux fans. Anybody know if that is the correct size fuse? Checked owners manual but no guidance there. I’ve had this car more than 15 years, don’t remember ever changing this fuse but who knows, maybe I substituted an incorrect one because that’s all I had?

Thanks,

J. van Swaay
Key Largo, Florida

 

[gsxr]

J.M.,

Fuse D should be 16 amps (red). Install that and see what happens. This feeds the low-speed aux fan only, on 94-up models.

 

[gerryvz]

I would recommend replacing ALL of the fuses with Flosser ceramic/brass or /copper ones if you can get them, as well as taking a brass brush and cleaning all of the fuse terminal tongues that the fuses press into. A tiny bit of dielectric grease at the fuse contact points from the head of a Q-tip would also be a good idea to help protect from corrosion and maintain contact.

This is something that ALL owners should do. Fuses get nasty and corrode and get thin, particularly after all these years. The old factory aluminum fuses, if still original, are pretty much junk.

 

[gsxr]

Note that dielectric grease is an insulator, not a conductor, and should be used *very* sparingly if applied. I leave my fuse contacts dry, but I also don't live in a humid environment. Definitely a good idea to wire-brush all the fuse tips and sockets!

 

[J. M. van Swaay]

Thanks Dave, I knew you would know the answer! (I have to admit I was trolling you…) This forum is lucky to have you and Gerry, thanks again for all your help over the years. I cleaned the contacts and installed the correct red 16 amp fuse. Have not driven the car yet but I’m pretty sure this will cure the problem.

J.