Summary: I get left turn signal lights all around and on dash when turn-signal lever is in either left OR RIGHT position.

Detailed Explanation: The problem started a couple of days ago in my '97 S-500 with 57K miles. When I turned on the right turn signal the right arrow on the dashboard flickered for a moment or two and then the left arrow began to flash as if I had selected for a left turn. I tried operating the right turn signal a dozen or so times during the journey, but each time I got a left turn signal. The left turn signal works normally. By the time I got home the brief flickering of the right dashboard arrow had ceased when initiating a right turn signal and the left signal arrow was all I got. When I moved the lever to either right or left turn position I got a normally blinking left dashboard arrow. In the garage I checked and found that all of the left turn signals on the outside of the car also flash normally when either the right or left turn signal lever is engaged.

Bought a '97 S-500 a couple of months ago, and it is now my turn to learn about Mercedes maintenance first hand. I don't have a mechanic in the DC area, but I have had negative parts experience with HBL and wouldn't go back there again for any reason. American Service Center wanted 3 times the appropriate price for some minor body work that was done elsewhere to perfection, so I am feeling quite wary.

So, do I just leave it with someone to "look at", or should a good mechanic know from the description above what is wrong and how to fix it? Is this a good verbal test of a prospective mechanic to see if he knows his business with a W-140? Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

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David Foley
'97 S-500