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

To remove the steering wheel you'll need one , maybe two tiny screwdrivers , you *gently* work it in past the shiny plastic star in the horn pad then lever it out ~ it has a lip so don't pry it out , rather , work the tip 'round as you go and the plastic disc will slowly raise up and out .

Then you'll need a 10MM Hexagonal wrench socket on a 6" extension and a long flex handle (MISOMNER : breaker bar) as that hex bolt is -TIGHT- ! . I like to have the wheels pointed dead ahead before beginning and the key out so the steering locks , this makes it so you don't have to hold the wheel from turning with one hand as the other pulls the tool , slips , cracks the (!$!) horn pad and so on .

Be sure to use a smallish flat blade screw driver that fits the switch's screw slots well , you don't want to damage these screws ! .

Expect to spend at least two hours the first time you do this as threading the wires & plug is tricky but very do - able .

Consider replacing the two short rubber hose bits on the back of the key switch , look at them before touching ~ if they're swollen blubbery & wet (most likely) they're going to leak and cause you to have an engine that won't stop sooner than later and now is the time to replace them ~ they're supposed to be hard to get off , needing gentle twisting motion as you pull so if they slip right off , pat your self on the back , they really needed replacing already .

If you can afford a new switch , do so , I'm a seriously cheap bastid
who only gets up off a dime if I absolutely have to ~ you don't want to be as familiar with dash works as I am =8-) .

-Nate
Tom 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
>
>
>
>