190 turn signal R&R

[Rick Earls]

My 1991 190 has electrical problems that I think are coming from the turn signal (multi-function) switch in the steering column. The windshield wipers come on when the headlights or fog lights are on and then you signal to turn right.Honking the horn will also do it most of the time and sometimes they come on for no reason. But the headlights or fog lamps must be on. I want to access and / or remove the contacts inside the column to inspect,clean and test them but can't get the plastic steering column cover off . Do the steering wheel and air bag have to be removed or is there some other way? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[MTI]

You have to remove the airbag/steering wheel to remove the plastic shroud around the steering column and stalks.

[dbenz1]

If the windshield wipers go on when you honk the horn, you have a bad relay.

[Rick Earls]

Originally Posted by MTI

You have to remove the airbag/steering wheel to remove the plastic shroud around the steering column and stalks.

Do you have any info about removing the steering wheel/airbag?

[lino]

Also, how did you remove the speedo needle to put the white face plate?

[MTI]

The details for pulling a W201 airbag wheel are well documented on 2Phast's site. I strongly suggest that you get a helper to hold the wheel while dealing with the 10mm allen head bolt and don't leave the steering column in the locked position.

As for pulling cluster needles, all you need is a pair of clean spoons to act as rocking pry bars to lift the needle slowly off the pins. Some people use other cutlery, like a fork, but I think the spoons give more control and equal pressure on two sides of the needles.

[lino]

Originally Posted by MTI

As for pulling cluster needles, all you need is a pair of clean spoons to act as rocking pry bars to lift the needle slowly off the pins. Some people use other cutlery, like a fork, but I think the spoons give more control and equal pressure on two sides of the needles.

So spoons are the magical equipment. Don't the spoons scratch the surfae of the face plate? When I tried pulling the needle with my fingers, I used so much force that when the needle came out, it flipped and went straight into my thumb. I had to pull very hard to remove it. It hurt too. I should have taken a pic, but I was too busy cleaning up the mess. It seems funny now when I think about it.

[MTI]

Originally Posted by lino

So spoons are the magical equipment. Don't the spoons scratch the surfae of the face plate?

I did say "clean spoons" If the curved bottom of your spoons leave abrasion marks in your mouth, I would get better spoons.

[lino]

Originally Posted by MTI

I did say "clean spoons" If the curved bottom of your spoons leave abrasion marks in your mouth, I would get better spoons.