Ignition switch and blowerfan.

[embe560sl]

After extensive exploring into why the blower fan did not work, I received a reply from my forum posting that I should try jiggling the ignition key, as that might trigger it. I was amazed to find that it intermittently worked and the fan would stay on until I switch ignition off again, but would not restart. It seems there is a contact which I cannot always find and obviously some correlation between the two....but what? Do I now have to change the ignition assembly or is there another solution? Your knowledge on this please.

[Strife]

No, it really IS the ignition switch.

The good news is, that there is a mechanical(lock) part of the switch and an electrical part. The electrical part isn't very expensive, and other than having to remove some things to get at it (and the screws require a very short good screwdriver), it's not that difficult to replace. I removed the steering wheel and instrument cluster to get at it; there may be another way, but I don't know if you can get at it from underneath.

[clarkz71]

Originally Posted by Strife

No, it really IS the ignition switch.

. I removed the steering wheel and instrument cluster to get at it; .

That's how it is done. The key has to be in position 1 or 2 to remove the electrical plug. I don't remember which.
It's been a while since I did one on an older benz.

[embe560sl]

Originally Posted by clarkz71

That's how it is done. The key has to be in position 1 or 2 to remove the electrical plug. I don't remember which.
It's been a while since I did one on an older benz.

By this do you mean the ignition switch itself or a connection behind?
Also when removing the steering wheel is there any dangers the air bag accidentally going off? or does it remain intact within the wheel?
Thanks for your response.

[embe560sl]

Originally Posted by Strife

No, it really IS the ignition switch.

The good news is, that there is a mechanical(lock) part of the switch and an electrical part. The electrical part isn't very expensive, and other than having to remove some things to get at it (and the screws require a very short good screwdriver), it's not that difficult to replace. I removed the steering wheel and instrument cluster to get at it; there may be another way, but I don't know if you can get at it from underneath.

Thanks Strife for your response.
Not ever having performed such a job, I will check in search to see if there are any instructions on removal of both parts. On a scale of 1 to 10 how difficult would you say this is?

[dugald]

Originally Posted by embe560sl

Also when removing the steering wheel is there any dangers the air bag accidentally going off? or does it remain intact within the wheel?
Thanks for your response.

Suggest you disconnect the battery. Airbag assembly unplugs and lifts out after wheel cover has been removed (hex or torx screws in back of wheel).
Treat the assembly gently - it is an explosive device.

[Strife]

There are good posts on these subjects, which can be searched for. I also have some ignition cluster removal instructions on my website and I would emphasize not distorting or gouging the dash area while doing this, it's old and will crack easily, and little cracks turn into big ones.

[embe560sl]

Originally Posted by Strife

There are good posts on these subjects, which can be searched for. I also have some ignition cluster removal instructions on my website and I would emphasize not distorting or gouging the dash area while doing this, it's old and will crack easily, and little cracks turn into big ones.

Excellent, thank you guys, seems a little daunting but also a challenge. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll do a search and see if I can find any. However, once I get through to the ignition switch...how does this separate from the dash? have you done this yet?