Pete Lives!!! - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

whunter · #16 08-28-2004, 01:18 AM

Hazard light switch cleaning. by whunter

#1. Remove the hazard light switch from the console.
#2. Use finger nail polish to mark the top side in three locations for reassembly orientation, refer to picture #A.
#3. Use a clean flat cloth covered surface to contain the work area.
#4. Insert a small screw driver into the back side tab area, refer to picture #B.
#5. Gently ease the back cover off, watch out for falling parts.
#6. Use tweezers to remove the shuttle with caps and springs, refer to picture #C.
#7. Use a cheap paper on wood type of finger nail file to clean the contact surfaces, refer to picture #D.
#8. Set the button to the on position and insert the shuttle, carefully.
#9. Install the back pin plate, be sure the back is oriented correctly and the bulb will enter the case hole.
#10. Gently squeeze the back into place, check the side catches are fully seated.

If you loose a part, buy another switch.

I moved the pictures to a separate stand alone post.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/102377-hazard-light-switch-cleaning.html#post700225

Gilly · #17 08-28-2004, 09:48 AM

Jennifer
Carefully inspect and TEST Fuses 2 and 12.

Gilly

whunter · #18 08-28-2004, 10:26 AM

Hello JenTay
The first thing I do with any vehicle using euro torpedo fuses, pull all fuses and replace with NEW, not used, fuses.

Replace the spares also.

Roughly half of electrical problems disappear after this.

Have a great day.

sublettm · #19 08-28-2004, 11:13 AM

After 20 years, the relays on both of my diesels went bad, and while I was home on vacation I replaced the relay in my father's 500sl. I tried cleaning my hazard switches first, but in the end it was the relays.

Mike

JenTay · #20 08-28-2004, 11:40 AM

ok. i took apart the little switch and cleaned it. it was easy the hardest part was prying it off. still no signals.

the car does have the original fuses. pink and white ceramic things.

do you think i should change the fuses first before attempting to extract the relay.

question.... i me doing all this. is there a possibility of causing a fire? should i disconnect the battery beforehand?

whunter · #21 08-28-2004, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenTay

question.... i me doing all this. is there a possibility of causing a fire?

Only if you are smoking.

Gilly · #22 08-28-2004, 03:45 PM

Try at least replacing those 2 fuses I mentioned.
The circuits are protected by fuses, so I wouldn't worry too much about an electrical fire.

Gilly

whunter · #23 08-28-2004, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenTay

the car does have the original fuses. pink and white ceramic things.
do you think i should change the fuses first before attempting to extract the relay.

"YES", it can't hurt and may fix the problem.

phantoms · #24 08-28-2004, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Hello JenTay
The first thing I do with any vehicle using euro torpedo fuses, pull all fuses and replace with NEW, not used, fuses.

Replace the spares also.

Roughly half of electrical problems disappear after this.

Have a great day.

I pick up the new glass tube fuses at Napa. They are like the older american glass tube fuses, except the ends come to a rounded point like the mercedes fuses.

whunter · #25 08-28-2004, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantoms

I pick up the new glass tube fuses at Napa. They are like the older american glass tube fuses, except the ends come to a rounded point like the Mercedes fuses.

I have used those, they are a little better than the OEM.

As a rule of thumb, on any electrical problem, the fuses are replaced first, spade, torpedo or glass.

This has saved me thousands of hours in diagnosis time.

As a professional, the fuse cost verses my time cost = big cost benefits.

sublettm · #26 08-29-2004, 02:32 PM

As a general practice, when troubleshooting, you should always do a visual inspection first (fuses, burnt components, etc.), tehn check to make sure you have power to the circuit in question, then narrow down the likely troubled components in the circuit...active components first such as relays.

Mike

JenTay · #27 09-04-2004, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whunter

Only if you are smoking.

i found the problem. it was not the hazard switch. the 'relay' you guys keep mentioning came off. i assume it is the little rectangular box in front of the shifter. i guess it got shaken off when i lost the transmission.

thanks for your help. everything works fine now plus i have a clean hazard switch. fortunately, my bad asthma keeps me from smoking and being in smoky bars.