Just popped a SmartTOP v2 into my '07 SLK280 - Page 2

jamesbond007 · 05-06-2007

I shall be taking my Piecha module out as the remote operation has stopped working after 2 weeks and I am getting worried to keep that piece of defective equipment on the car to develop like a tumour. What does one do with a crimped wire to protect it and to make sure nobody (i.e. M-B staff) will see it has been crimped?

mtiede · 05-06-2007

By "cromped" I assume you mean the spade lug arrangement that squeezed onto the wire. I would just leave those in place. But if you really want to take them off, then I would just wrap the area with black electrical tape.

**etyu** · 05-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesbond007

I shall be taking my Piecha module out as the remote operation has stopped working after 2 weeks and I am getting worried to keep that piece of defective equipment on the car to develop like a tumour. What does one do with a crimped wire to protect it and to make sure nobody (i.e. M-B staff) will see it has been crimped?

Leave the crimps alone and just disconnect the connectors that go into the crimps (one to the red power line and the other to the ground) at right angles. you may wish to wrap the crimps with electical tape temporarily until you get a replacement from Piecha. sounds like a defective module.

**Driller** · 06-02-2007

I found the Fuse Holder in the Canadian MB system and it comes as two parts, the fuse holder (A 003 545 13 01) and the contact spring (A 004 545 00 26). What fuse size should be used for this application? I'll be doing the module install this weekend .. may your thoughts and prayers be with me ..

DansSlk · 06-02-2007

Thats the one, same colour as yours also Eddy mate looked for orange but had no luck.

Driller, you know you can pick the contact size right mate so if you think the one is too large or small you can pick one of the others

**etyu** · 06-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driller

I found the Fuse Holder in the Canadian MB system and it comes as two parts, the fuse holder (A 003 545 13 01) and the contact spring (A 004 545 00 26). What fuse size should be used for this application? I'll be doing the module install this weekend .. may your thoughts and prayers be with me ..

Thanks for the part no. and pix. SmartTop doesn't use much juice, I am using a 10 in mine; I think I used a 7.5 on another install and they both worked fine. I believe you can use what you have with the spare fuses that came with the car, 5, 7.5 or 10 should work fine.

You will be in my prayers.

Take your time, do not rush and do it methodically and you should do fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Thats the one, same colour as yours also Eddy mate looked for orange but had no luck.

Driller, you know you can pick the contact size right mate so if you think the one is too large or small you can pick one of the others

Many thanks Dan, the color is not important. Now I understand how the contact spring works after seeing the pix.

V8SLK · 06-02-2007

i have firsthand experience with Eddy's meticulous installation work. he installed my vrm for me about a year ago and his work is excellent. once again Eddy, thanks for your assistance.

**etyu** · 06-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by V8SLK

i have firsthand experience with Eddy's meticulous installation work. he installed my vrm for me about a year ago and his work is excellent. once again Eddy, thanks for your assistance.

You're too kind Scott.

**Driller** · 06-03-2007

Early problem trying to get the new fuse holder into the fuse panel. Just won't click into place. Tried for 30 min and am missing a lot of skin on my left thumb. Probably need to get a piggy-back fuse holder. Any thoughts?

**etyu** · 06-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driller

Early problem trying to get the new fuse holder into the fuse panel. Just won't click into place. Tried for 30 min and am missing a lot of skin on my left thumb. Probably need to get a piggy-back fuse holder. Any thoughts?

I think I know what's wrong as I had a similar problem. Look at the end of the fuse holder plastic bit at the side that's supposed to slide into the "square peg" in the fuse panel. Mine had a square tab on one corner that prevents it from sliding into the square peg. This square tab can be routed out easily with a motor tool and a small routing bit. See photos below:

Fuse holder with square tab blocking proper insertion (look closely at left lower corner of the fuse holder part):

Square tab routed out, after this the fuseholder will slide easily into the square peg in the fuse box:

Let us know if you're successful.

**etyu** · 06-03-2007

Here's also a link to my experience with installing roof module: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r171...y-once-28.html

Check post # 271.

**Driller** · 06-03-2007

Thanks for the answer! Unfortunately, my project will be on hold for a couple of weeks. I'll have a good review of your experiences in the meantime.

Thanks again

**etyu** · 06-03-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driller

Thanks for the answer! Unfortunately, my project will be on hold for a couple of weeks. I'll have a good review of your experiences in the meantime.

Thanks again

Also read post #295 on page 30 at the same link on SteveSLK06's (from Canada) use of the ATO Add-A-Circuit in lieu of the MB fuseholder. This is useful if all the spots in the fusebox are taken/occupied.

**Driller** · 06-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

I think I know what's wrong as I had a similar problem. Look at the end of the fuse holder plastic bit at the side that's supposed to slide into the "square peg" in the fuse panel. Mine had a square tab on one corner that prevents it from sliding into the square peg. This square tab can be routed out easily with a motor tool and a small routing bit. See photos below:

Fuse holder with square tab blocking proper insertion (look closely at left lower corner of the fuse holder part):

Square tab routed out, after this the fuseholder will slide easily into the square peg in the fuse box:

Let us know if you're successful.

Unfortunately, it looks like my new fuse holder does not have the same shap as yours. As well, the only remaining fuse location also has an unusual (non-square) shape. I've attached pix. I've also purchased an Add-A-Circuit to move forward.

**etyu** · 06-10-2007

You can use the add-a-circuit temporarily. Crimp an insulated female (butt/bullet) connector to the wire end of the add-a-circuit. Use a male connector to the wire that leads to the SmartTop module. That way, when you get to modify the MB fuseholder, you can easily remove the add-a-circuit and plug in the MB one.

Schema: add-a-circuit --->wire-->female (insulated)bullet connector -->male (insulated) bullet connector-->wire-->female bullet connector -->male bullet connector --power wire from SmartTop.

Here's an idea: Trace the shape of the male part from the fuse box on paper by running a pencil across paper that is laid flat on the part (similar to getting an image from a coin that we used to do as children). Make several. Cut out the shape with a small scissor and tack unto the female side found on the black MB fuseholder, trace the outline with ultrafine Sharpie pen, and then you'll know which part to modify or route out using a motor tool.

When it fits, you crimp a female bullet connector to the wire end and it will be an easy repacement without removing the kick panel etc.

I hope the above will help you.

**etyu** · 06-10-2007

Another idea is to remove/loosen one of the existing pink or orange fuseholder and copy the part number that is molded on its side. Use this PN to get another one from MB parts.

Or study the female end of the existing fuseholder to get an idea of which plastc part to remove from the black fuseholder.

Still praying that you will be successful today.

zxxn · 06-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Another idea is to remove/loosen one of the existing pink or orange fuseholder and copy the part number that is molded on its side. Use this PN to get another one from MB parts.

As my slk55 has only one empty plug for fuseholder(for fuse #42) left like Driller's, I tried today. I pulled out existing fuseholders one by one to find same shaped fuseholder.

Unfortunately there is none.

The empty plug(for fuse #42) has different shape than others. Based on fuse instructiin sheet, #42 fuse is only for right hand driver cars. That may be the reason having unique shape.

I hope Dan can give us part number for #42 fuseholder, because he's living in right hand driver car country.

06-02-2007	#25 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Thats the one, same colour as yours also Eddy mate looked for orange but had no luck. Driller, you know you can pick the contact size right mate so if you think the one is too large or small you can pick one of the others __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-03-2007	#29 (permalink)
Driller SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Vehicle: 2005 SLK 55 Posts: 88 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Not Enough Praying Early problem trying to get the new fuse holder into the fuse panel. Just won't click into place. Tried for 30 min and am missing a lot of skin on my left thumb. Probably need to get a piggy-back fuse holder. Any thoughts?

06-03-2007	#31 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Here's also a link to my experience with installing roof module: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r171...y-once-28.html Check post # 271. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

06-10-2007	#35 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	You can use the add-a-circuit temporarily. Crimp an insulated female (butt/bullet) connector to the wire end of the add-a-circuit. Use a male connector to the wire that leads to the SmartTop module. That way, when you get to modify the MB fuseholder, you can easily remove the add-a-circuit and plug in the MB one. Schema: add-a-circuit --->wire-->female (insulated)bullet connector -->male (insulated) bullet connector-->wire-->female bullet connector -->male bullet connector --power wire from SmartTop. Here's an idea: Trace the shape of the male part from the fuse box on paper by running a pencil across paper that is laid flat on the part (similar to getting an image from a coin that we used to do as children). Make several. Cut out the shape with a small scissor and tack unto the female side found on the black MB fuseholder, trace the outline with ultrafine Sharpie pen, and then you'll know which part to modify or route out using a motor tool. When it fits, you crimp a female bullet connector to the wire end and it will be an easy repacement without removing the kick panel etc. I hope the above will help you. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

06-10-2007	#36 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 376 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Another idea is to remove/loosen one of the existing pink or orange fuseholder and copy the part number that is molded on its side. Use this PN to get another one from MB parts. Or study the female end of the existing fuseholder to get an idea of which plastc part to remove from the black fuseholder. Still praying that you will be successful today. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

05-06-2007	#21 (permalink)
jamesbond007 Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Paris (France) Vehicle: CLK 500 Cabriolet Posts: 154 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I shall be taking my Piecha module out as the remote operation has stopped working after 2 weeks and I am getting worried to keep that piece of defective equipment on the car to develop like a tumour. What does one do with a crimped wire to protect it and to make sure nobody (i.e. M-B staff) will see it has been crimped?

05-06-2007	#22 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,642 Thanks: 100 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	By "cromped" I assume you mean the spade lug arrangement that squeezed onto the wire. I would just leave those in place. But if you really want to take them off, then I would just wrap the area with black electrical tape.

06-02-2007	#27 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	i have firsthand experience with Eddy's meticulous installation work. he installed my vrm for me about a year ago and his work is excellent. once again Eddy, thanks for your assistance.

06-03-2007	#32 (permalink)
Driller SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Vehicle: 2005 SLK 55 Posts: 88 Country: Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Thanks for the answer! Unfortunately, my project will be on hold for a couple of weeks. I'll have a good review of your experiences in the meantime. Thanks again

06-28-2007	#38 (permalink)