Diesel RVs: [diesel_mercedes] Re: Combo Switch for W123

Tom has a W-126 .

IIRC (doubtful) the W-123's mast jacket clam shell is removed by the # 2 phillips screws in the lower half .

Please try to remember that Factory Shop Manuals are generally written by Enginners , not by anyone who's ever actually done the particular job at hand .

Print out the pertinent pages and drag 'em out to the car with you , use as cheat sheets , scribble margin notes and be sure to loose the one page you really need , just before you're about to re assemble everything .

-Nate
Jim wrote :
>
> LOL I just looked at the Mercedes repair CD for instructions on how to swap out the combo switch on my W123. The photos show the steering wheel taken off the column. But the text says "Steering wheel not be removed for removal of combination switch." Yes, that's what it says... So now I am trying to figure out if the mistranslation should read "must be removed" or "does not have to be removed" Picture does not agree with text... But it looks like it can be done without removing the steering wheel. Also notable is the inclusion of the cable and connector which comes with the new part. According to the instructions, the cable must be disconnected from the switch by unscrewing the wires, then unplugged at the other end (under the dash) and removed. Then the new one must be disconnected from the new switch and snaked back up through the column and reconnected to the new switch aka "vice versa" according to the instructions. I'm figuring that the switch is bad, not the wire. I don't see the need to swap out that wire harness if it's OK. I guess I could but I'm not a glutton for punishment.
>
> BTW, OT but I know a number of us are "into" alternative transportation... I bought a 48v 500w electric bicycle wheel and a rechargeable lithium battery off ebay direct from China. Put it on my old hybrid bike and that thing really gets down the road. 20 mile range at around 23 mph. It's a lot of fun, I recommend it as a project if any of you guys are into electric vehicles.
>
> Jim
>
>
>
> --- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, "n61cm" <jim@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks, Tom. Do I have to have a fancy steering wheel puller? Our can I use a generic gear puller or a universal steering wheel puller? I have a gear puller, hopefully I can use that.
> >
> > Jim
> >
> > --- In diesel_mercedes@yahoogroups.com, audiolaw@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Jim,
> > >
> > > I don't know anything about the quality of Uro Parts.
> > >
> > > BUT, Nate and I swapped out the turnsignal/wiper switch in my 300SD
> > > (126). It was dead simple, once we understood it.
> > >
> > > Pull the steering wheel (one nut);
> > >
> > > Pull the switch out (2 screws and two plugs at the end of wires that
> > > go through the column jacket and under the kick panel above the pedals);
> > > The wires run through the top jacket of the column, which only extends down
> > > to the dash, and then ends;
> > >
> > > Put the new switch in, connect the plugs, put in the two screws;
> > >
> > > Reinstall the steering wheel;
> > >
> > > Take the wheel off again, adjust it so that it is lined up properly,
> > > then reinstall it.
> > >
> > > We find PLENTY of 126s in P-a-P yards, with NEVER any missing turn
> > > signal switch. So get one there, instead of paying $50. The time spent in
> > > the yard will also give you a good lesson in how the switch comes out without
> > > causing damage.
> > >
> > > Tom
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 4/11/2013 4:57:59 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
> > > jim@ writes:
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Anyone tried the Uro Parts Blower Motor for the W123? Remember for a while
> > > those motors became impossible to get and suddenly went over $500 new? Now
> > > I see they are back as Uro Parts new around $90 at the usual places,
> > > autohausaz.com, rmeuropean.com, ebay.com, etc. I just ordered one for my 84
> > > 300D...hope they draw less amperage than the original. Will let you know how it
> > > works out if anyone is interested. Also ordered a new combo switch (turn
> > > signal/wiper/etc) same brand Uro Parts $50. My original switch is worn out. I
> > > hope that is not a hard job to swap out. Anyone done this job? Advice
> > > appreciated.
> > >
> > > Jim
> > >
> >
>