Ignition switched power source
I need to wire a set of DRL headlamp surrounds in. The wiring diagram is, as you'd expect, non existent. I can figure most of it out, there is a connector for the DRL's to be dimmed when head lamps are on, I just need pointing to a switched ignition source now. I presume going through the firewall to the fuse panel located next to the door is best? If anyone could offer some guidance from there on it would be much appreciated. Thanks.
You've not mentioned which model and year of G you are referring to?
Problem with any post 2001 G is that the wiring is much more complex as everything is controlled by electronic units. The fuse panel which you mention is very cramped and best left alone.
I'd drop the electronics panel under the passenger glovebox and find a suitable switched 12v there.
Is yours a SWB?
SWB yes. I'll have a look under there and source something. Appreciate your help.
Not too may G400 SWB, 2004 around. Is it the one from Specialist Cars in Wimbledon?
no. I know that one and it's still for sale. I bought this from Italy. Lower mileage, much cheaper and a genuine one lady owner!
Sounds very nice !
I have a 2001, G400, which came to the UK from Germany and then spent 6 years in italy and is now back in the UK.
Can I ask you about engine starting? Typically, how much cranking does it do before the engine fire-up?
- 1 second or less?
- 2 or 3 secs ?
- 4 or 5 secs
- more?
Mine typically takes about 3 - 4 secs, but I have a feeling it should be less than that?
probably between 1 and 2 seconds. So far, it has been good. The V8 diesel is an awesome engine I'm sure you'll agree.
I've just had a look at the conduit for the wiring through the firewall. This may be beyond me. Is there anything in the engine bay that is ignition switched I could slave from?
I have been warned about the possibility of some big bills with this car, but I think the engine is the same they used to have in the S400 CDi which had a pretty good reputation in its day.
Join the club chief ! "Big Bills" yeah mate they all come with them !
Keep on trucking 
and PAYING !!!
From early on, the 400 CDi's (in the S, G, ML etc) got a bad reputation because of faulty engine-control units, which were hard to diagnose as the source of cut-out and non-start problems. The repair however, was just a replacement of a small capacitor worth 50 cents, but the random cut-out cause by this faulty capacitor caused lots of heartache. The engine itself, however, is fantastic, even though not as economical as being a diesel might suggest. The only down-side is perhaps the extra weight of this engine and limited room in the engine bay to do anything, without first dismantling a lot of parts for access. However, even though it's a massively complex engine, there are many out there with 200 - 300,000 km on the clock, so I don't really worry about any serious issues. (Other than I think mine should be starting a little quicker than it does)
As for your question of where to access a switched 12V supply, I'm sure there will be somethinh in the engine bay, but will need to think about that.
you're right about the size of the engine. I have never seen an engine bay so full.
I had DRLs put on my G400 and they look great however, I think the installer did pretty much what you may have done... The DRLs light up once there's voltage in the circuit
Mine therefore stay on when the battery is hooked up to a battery conditioner: either on the engine bay posts or on the battery. It's not a huge issue but mine will be left sitting for 2-3 months at a time and I can hardly leave it with the DRLs on so looks like it will either sit or I shall disconnect the battery. The latter option is preferred as it looks like the battery is not in tip top shape as it is.
I am not familiar with the 400 wiring, though this should be available in the technical data provided by MB service
. I had fitted recently a set of DLR lights with dimming facility, in my Ge 300. For this, I took the power from one of the cables feeding the fuel pump, so that when the ignition is on the DLRs are powered. The dimmer of the DLRs is fitted with a relay which I powered from one of the running lights so that whenever I turn on the lights, the DLRs are dimmed The cables that were provided with the kit (ex Halford's) are not heat resistant and thus I imagine prone to degradation of their insulation as are exposed in the engine bay Thus, .I also fitted a line fuse on the main feed to the DLRs as a good measure just in case !
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Good point! W463, G400 2004.
Thanks