Turn Signal Handle Won't Return! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

84MB500SEL · #1 11-02-2009, 04:04 PM

In the past, with semi-extreme temps (below 30 or above 90), the left turn signal in my '84 500SEL would not return back to neutral after coming out of a turn. I figured I would live with it until it got worse. Well, this morning, when it was like 30 degrees out, I was coming out of a left turn when I heard a cracking sound behind my steering wheel. Since hearing this sound, neither the left or right turn signal will return to its neutral position under any conditions! I think something behind the steering wheel broke this morning in the cold, so I was wondering if this was fixable. What exactly is the problem, and has anybody else had this problem? Does anybody have the procedure to fix it? How long/difficult is the procedure, and would I be better off taking it to a mechanic? If I take it to an experienced mechanic, about how many hours would he charge for labor? Any input on this problem would be appreciated!

hey_allen · #2 11-02-2009, 06:24 PM

I had a similar issue with mine breaking the return on one direction, but once I took it apart I found that it wasn't repairable, but rather replaceable.

The turn signal switch assembly just has a plastic toggle that catches the steering shaft to reset the signal. Once it's broken, it's easier to just replace it.

When I replaced mine, it took removing the three screws that hold the knee bolster to get to the two connectors on the bottom, one bolt that holds the steering wheel onto the steering column, and three screws that hold the turn signal assembly in place on the column.
You then get to pull the assembly up out of the steering column shell and guide the wiring harness connectors up the shell as well.

Installing the new, or usable used switch is just a matter of reversing the same order of steps.

Easily fixable with a phillips screwdriver and a 10 or 12 point hex key socket to remove the steering wheel securing bolt.

84MB500SEL · #3 11-02-2009, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hey_allen

I had a similar issue with mine breaking the return on one direction, but once I took it apart I found that it wasn't repairable, but rather replaceable.

The turn signal switch assembly just has a plastic toggle that catches the steering shaft to reset the signal. Once it's broken, it's easier to just replace it.

When I replaced mine, it took removing the three screws that hold the knee bolster to get to the two connectors on the bottom, one bolt that holds the steering wheel onto the steering column, and three screws that hold the turn signal assembly in place on the column.
You then get to pull the assembly up out of the steering column shell and guide the wiring harness connectors up the shell as well.

Installing the new, or usable used switch is just a matter of reversing the same order of steps.

Easily fixable with a phillips screwdriver and a 10 or 12 point hex key socket to remove the steering wheel securing bolt.

What do you mean by knee bolster, the carpeted piece that's under the steering column? And my car has an airbag in the steering wheel, so would removing it be any different, and if so how exactly do I go about doing it?

hey_allen · #4 11-03-2009, 12:58 AM

Yep, the carped piece under the steering wheel. The two connectors are just forward of the dashboard near the steering column.

The airbag I don't know much about, other than that it requires a bit more caution to prevent blowing it up in your face (making it a bad day all around...) and to get it out of the way.

I believe I had heard that it only had 4 screws around it's edge to get it loose once you pull the plastic cover free, but I'm not quite sure of the proper way to safe the airbag system on these cars as neither of my cars have them.

Once the bag is out of the way it should be as described, though.