Wiper/headlight stalk
 

I looked at a car my friend is selling, a 1982-1984 300D. Not sure about the year.

The highbeams only work when the stalk is pulled back. He told me the highbeams don't work in the other position, so I didn't even try. I'm going to assume the whole stalk needs to be replaced. How much work is involved?

I didn't try the wipers.

One low beam doesn't work, so I think the headlights just need to be replaced.

He said the climate control is a little weird. Is that usually the control unit or the vac. pods?


Thanks

The switch typically wears out its contacts and/or spring after time. It looks like this:

[img]https://www.***************/secure/PartImages/0065453224.jpg[/img]

On the W126, the steering wheel needs to be removed to replace it. Not too bad of a job provided you have the muscle to untorque the nut. I'm not sure about the W123 as far as the requirement to remove the wheel.

The plug fits a socket behind the instrument cluster.

The climate control problems can certainly be the vacuum pods. Usually, after 20 years, one or more than one of them is NG. Right now, three of them are NG on the SD. I'm awaiting the diaphragm replacements to tackle the job, finally.

Thank You Carlton.

For everyones information, a new switch looks to be around $100. If anyone knows the specifics for replacment on the 123 chassis, please post what you know. It can't be much different from a 126.

Actually it's pretty different. It's done entirely from the side of the steering column. After removing the rubber trim, you'll see screws that hold it into place. Remove those and disconnect the horn wires and the large plug underneath the dash, and you're done.

Bingo. Its a very easy operation. The stalk was busted on my 81, so I went to the salvage yard and pulled one off. The car is stick so it doesnt have cruise control, so I just removed two more screws and the mini stalk was off. It is a 10 or so minute job including removing the panel under the wheel to unplug and replug the new stalk. I would reccomend getting a used one for now, and later if you really want the car to look good buy a new one. They all work the same.

I bought a used one from Potomac Auto Parts that must have had a million miles on it. The high beams flashed every time I used the windshield washer - very embarrasing. I spent about $50 and was disappointed. I'd go new for $100 unless you can pull it yourself.