Since I've had some time off for the holidays, I thought I'd replace the passenger seat switch in my '97 E320. For the last month the switch would only move the seat forward regardless of the direction the switch was moved. The pre-programmed settings were the only way to get the headrest down and the seat moved back.

I searched the previous threads and decided to buy some contact cleaner and see if I could clean the switch up a bit before I dropped $130 on a new switch. So, off to Radio Shack I went, picked up the contact cleaner, came home to pull the switch out.

I sat in the passenger seat and began removing the buttons. When I got to the lower (front/back) button the seat moved back??!?!?!!?

Problem solved. Go figure????? Any thoughts on what the heck happened? Late Xmas present?

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'97 E320 Black Opal
'86 300E Smoke Silver / Burgundy (retired at 198K)
'63 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II (BJ7) (reluctantly retired)

I think it knew you were after it so it straightened up and flew right!

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.

I think you're right - pretty bizarre. I hate electrical stuff for this reason but the good news is I don't have to buy the switch, yet.

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'97 E320 Black Opal
'86 300E Smoke Silver / Burgundy (retired at 198K)
'63 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II (BJ7) (reluctantly retired)

By chance did you have the passenger door open? The seats in the SDL only operate with the door open. I know how to fix that problem but have left it alone as a secret "child proofing"

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

Actually there is a known problem with those seat switches whereas the solder joints come lose from the circuit board. The switches are soldered directly on to the circuit board, moving them back and forth loosens the solder. You can remove the switch and re-solder it and it will last for a few more years, there was an article in the Star about it. If it starts acting up again you might want to check it out. Happy Benzing!
Brian

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Brian W. Heitman

www.MBCA.org/northtexas

Join MBCA!!!

Prior to applying my mechanical wizardry the switch failed to operate with the door open or closed with the power on. Now it works both with the door open or closed (with the power on).

I think that's got to be it. Maybe when I put my screwdriver under the button it re-engaged the contacts. I'll look for the article in Star.

Thanks for responding.

__________________
'97 E320 Black Opal
'86 300E Smoke Silver / Burgundy (retired at 198K)
'63 Austin Healey 3000 Mk II (BJ7) (reluctantly retired)