I have just ordered a new combination switch (turn signal/wiper/high beam) for my 1994 E320 Cabriolet. What steps are required to install it? Do I remove the dash panel on either side of the steering column housing? How is the housing attached?

Thanks!

How do I remove the combo switch (turn signal/wipers) on my 1994 E320?

Background:

My turn signals frequently won't work. When the stalk also failed to operate the high beams, I had the combo switch replaced last year. Everything worked fine through the winter but the turn-signal problem returned with warmer weather and salt air of Cape Cod (corrosion screws up alot of electronics around here).

Through this forum, I learned how the Hazard switch controls the turn signals; so I replaced it about two weeks ago. For a day or two, all was well ...then the turn signals began working sporadically and resetting the Hazard switch did nothing. To get them going, I need to activate the windshield washers (by pushing in the combo switch stalk) and then the signals will activate ... for awhile. Often, they work OK for a while but if I'm waiting at an intersection, they may slow down and stop altogether.

Since the combo switch is relatively new, I thought I might pull it and check the wiring or clean the electrical contact points. Checking the forum, I saw
advice on older Mercedes models that required pulling the steering wheel, air bag, etc. to get to the combo switch and/or cruise control. Do those instructions also apply to a 1994 E320 Cabriolet? Or is there a simpler way to remove the combo switch without removing the steering wheel?

I'd appreciate some step-by-step advice!

Thanks!

1. disconnect the negative battery terminal
2. disconnect the RED SRS plug under the passenger footwell/carpet
3. Unscrew the airbag 2 torx screws behind the steering wheel (T30 maybe?)
4. Remove the airbag, unplug the connections
5. Remove the steering wheel - 1 10mm hex key (if the steering wheel has already been removed this will be much eaiser - you may need two people)
--NOTE: Do not use the steering lock as a counter brace, have someone else hold the wheel.
6. with the wheel removed it will be pretty easy to get the combo switch out, there are a few screws to remove and it should come out. You may have to remove the steering angle sensor - I don't remember.

__________________
Daily Driver: 02 E430 4MATIC
In the family: '03 E500 // '04 ML500 // 64 220SE

I'm writing to publicly thank a forum member for taking time to help me with a nagging problem that was driving me batty.

As previously posted, my turn signals on my E320 Cabriolet have been giving me fits -- working fine for months, then conking out in high humidity. Following suggestions I found in forum postings pertaining to this problem (which is apparently not uncommon), I replaced the combo switch and, later, the hazard switch. Each time, they would seem to be working ... but eventually the problem re-occurred. Resetting the hazard switch (or using the windshield washer) would help in a pinch, but the problem always came back and the turn signals would die.

I recently discovered an old posting -- almost four years back -- that made mention of a relay governing the turn signals and other devices. I'd always thought there should be some relay but never saw mention of this anywhere else. I contacted the writer directly, Reny Varghese, but didn't expect to hear back since the posting was so old. I was amazed -- I got a reply within a day and even more amazing, he sent me back detailed instructions and a photo showing the location of the somewhat hidden relay.

I ordered a new relay last Friday; it arrived today and for the first time in about two years, my turn signals are clicking away and all seems well. I'm grateful for this shop forum and very grateful to Reny for his help.

Turn Signals Fail
Turn Signals Fail

W124 Combo switch problems
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=159326

How do I replace the Combination Switch?
How do I replace the Combination Switch?

W124 Turn Signals -- Success at Last!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/101644-how-do-i-replace-combination-switch.html#post1300184

W124 Turn Signals -- Success at Last!
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1300184

And I'd like to thank you all too for writing such a detailed post, as this is the exact same problem symptom appearing with my W124 E220 Cabrio, which means my problem will be resolved quickly and properly.

Very much appreciated.

~bernard.