Quick Fix for SL Turn Signals
 

The turn signals and the emergency flasher went out on my '86 560SL. The fuse was good so the next thing to check was the red, emergency flasher switch. Being mounted on the shift panel, it catches all the dust that falls on it and tends to get a bit filthy. Since the turn signals are wired through this switch, it causes the majority of the problems.

Pop out the switch from the panel, disconnect the wiring connector. On a well lighted bench, over a towel to catch the parts, separate the base from the red rocker top by sliding a thin tool into the sides to dislodge the 4 catches, then gently pull on the connector pin area to slide it out. You will get two parts that come out. Do NOT disassemble further, just clean all the contacts with a rubber pencil eraser, blow it clean and gently reassemble it. Plug it back in to test it. If this cures the problem, you got off easy!

Before doing that, just exercise the switch a few times. Sometimes the switch gets caught between off and on if it is bumped or if something is set on top of it. Making sure it is fully off has fixed the no turn signal no hazard switch issue for many. Common issue on Mercedes with that type of a switch.

I had tried the exercising of the switch and it did, indeed, clear up the problem, but only temporarily as there was just too much crap in the switch after 25 years and it failed again.

Taking it apart is a super simple job and cleaning it internally is a permanent fix that may save you a ticket - or worse- for not having working signals.