C280estateguy
03-30-2011, 09:22 AM
Hi all. Here's a weird one. (I've searched the forum but can't find another example).
Every time I turn on the ignition to start the car (1998 C280 Estate, owned from new), there's a loud buzzing noise coming from the cluster of interior light switches on the roof/headlining. This has been going on for some months - I used to think it was just the heater fan, but now I see it's not. It's not noticable when the engine starts and the car is running, so it may stop (unlikely). More likely it's still buzzing but inaudible over the sound of the engine. Any ideas what it is, suggested fixes?
I see there's a small plastic grille up there, just in front of the mirror - is that part of the aircon/heater? Any moving parts?
Also, could this be linked to the tailgate interior light mysteriously coming on (and draining the battery) some weeks ago? Hope it's not an electrical switch buzzing itself into a fire... All the switches and lights work.
How do I prise the switch cluster off the headlining without damaging anything? (I broke a door handle cover getting it off to change the door capping, so am now very wary about how to prise plastic fittings apart without breaking them).
Many thanks!
Cheers,
John
Every time I turn on the ignition to start the car (1998 C280 Estate, owned from new), there's a loud buzzing noise coming from the cluster of interior light switches on the roof/headlining. This has been going on for some months - I used to think it was just the heater fan, but now I see it's not. It's not noticable when the engine starts and the car is running, so it may stop (unlikely). More likely it's still buzzing but inaudible over the sound of the engine. Any ideas what it is, suggested fixes?
I see there's a small plastic grille up there, just in front of the mirror - is that part of the aircon/heater? Any moving parts?
Also, could this be linked to the tailgate interior light mysteriously coming on (and draining the battery) some weeks ago? Hope it's not an electrical switch buzzing itself into a fire... All the switches and lights work.
How do I prise the switch cluster off the headlining without damaging anything? (I broke a door handle cover getting it off to change the door capping, so am now very wary about how to prise plastic fittings apart without breaking them).
Many thanks!
Cheers,
John