Encountering issues with your Mercedes 560 Sl? A stalling engine, particularly when turning, can be frustrating. While diagnosing fuel system problems, replacing the fuel filter and relay are often good starting points due to their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. This guide focuses on a straightforward DIY method for replacing the fuel pump relay in your Mercedes 560 SL, specifically utilizing the glove box access panel for easier reach.
For owners of a ’87 560SL, accessing the fuel pump relay doesn’t necessarily require extensive dismantling. By simply emptying the glove box, you’ll discover a small access panel, roughly 5 inches diagonally. Removing this panel reveals the area where the relay is situated. For even greater accessibility, similar to another DIY approach, removing the panels beneath the glove box and gently pulling out the HVAC conduit creates ample space to work. Importantly, complete removal of the glove box itself isn’t necessary with this method. This entire process, from start to finish, can be accomplished in under 30 minutes, excluding the time spent maneuvering in the footwell!
Working through the glove box access panel, you can first locate the idle speed relay. By using one hand through the access panel and reaching up from below with your other hand for added leverage, both the idle speed relay and then the fuel pump relay can be pulled out. Paying close attention to the orientation of each relay before removal is crucial for straightforward reinstallation.
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Close-up of the removed fuel pump relay and idle speed relay from a Mercedes 560 SL, showing the relays located behind the glove box access panel.
While this DIY fix addresses the fuel pump relay, remember that stalling issues in your Mercedes 560 SL can stem from various components within the fuel system. If replacing the relay doesn’t resolve the problem, further investigation into the fuel accumulator or fuel pumps might be necessary. Consulting repair manuals and online forums specific to the Mercedes 560 SL can provide additional troubleshooting steps and guidance for tackling these more complex components.
