[R129 SL] Electrical problems when it rains

[Mike Preiss]

I'm hoping someone can help with this. My dealer is baffled after a working
on my car for a week. Every time I get my car washed, even if it's a hand
wash, or when it rains, my 91 500SL acts up. The instrument cluster lights
up like a Christmas tree, the gas gauge goes dead but speedo still works. On
starting from a stop the car stalls and stumbles badly, and at idle when in
Drive will often stall. Will run in Neutral though. After a day or two, of
dry weather, the problem goes away. Of course the dealer just wants to
replace the ECL and instrument cluster ($5000 just for parts) but admits
that might not fix the problem. I don't agree that the computer or the
cluster are fried, since the problem disappears after time to dry. Also, how
would water be getting to both just by coincidence?
 
Logic would seem to indicate water is getting to something in common to the
engine computer and the cluster. My guess is a cable connecter somewhere is
letting water in and causing a short, but where? Any help greatly
appreciated.
 
Mike Preiss
91 500SL
 
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