tobybul,

Yes I replaced the multifunction stalk with a new one that I bought on Ebay and it fixed the problems. I think these problems are fairly common on the W202 as they get older.

I was going to cut up the stalk to try and see what was malfunctioning, but there didn't seem to be much point as the diagnosis would destroy the stalk anyway. Also the replacement part on Ebay was only about $95 for a new one.

The job was easy. I sweated about removing the airbag but followed the instructions and all went extremely well.

I posted the following on another forum:

A number of W202 owners are starting to report problems with their multi-function stalks! This can include the wipers doing an un-commanded sweep, wipers not working on a particular switch setting, high beam not functioning but OK on flash function, etc, etc.

The combination relay can and has been identified as one of the sources of these problems. But as our cars get older, it would appear that the multifunction stalks are now wearing out and are becoming the major source of the problem. The good news is that the multifunction stalks are not very expensive to replace if purchased on Ebay or online carparts warehouses and the job is a DIY for the well equipped and reasonably intelligent DIYer.

I talked to a knowledgeable Merc guy and he said he started having problems after he upgraded his headlights to 100 watt bulbs from the 55 watt standard. He found that the wiring in the indicator stalk had started melting and was the cause of the problems. He said that the indicator stalk was NOT repairable.

Now, my Merc has never had anything other than standard fitted in the wiring circuits, but was still playing up. I thought if I am going to all the trouble of dismantling the beast, then I may as well put in new parts.

So I bought a brand new indicator stalk on Ebay (only $95) and fitted it today. It required removing the airbag, steering wheel and then the indicator. I was a bit apprehensive but every thing went very well. In fact the quality of the repair area in the Merc was like working on a Swiss watch! I used the following link and found it to be very accurate and useful (many thanks and tributes to the poster Martin at blauschwarz@comcast.net!).

Problem solved!

202Tech - Steering Wheel Removal
http://202tech.mkosonen.com/howto/steering.html

Ebay Mercedes turn signal (Part No 202 540 2144):
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Car-Parts-4-Less_turn-signal_W0QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ4QQfsnZCarQ20PartsQ204Q20LessQQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsubZ5700767QQsaselZ66731537 QQsofpZ0

















If I find time I might dissect the problem indicator stalk, but I don't hold very high hopes for finding anything useful (or even finding the time to waste on it!).