Intermittent SRS light - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 05-04-2004, 12:00 AM

Any suggestions on how to determine what causes an intermittent SRS light coming on in the dash of the 87 190E?

It does seem to be temperature related: Cooler temps such as evening, it stays off. Warmer temps, such as during the day it either flickers or stays on constantly.

(I removed the previous miss-posting: Intermittent ABS light)

Haasman

sbourg · #2 05-04-2004, 09:53 AM

Haasman, first thing I'd do is disassemble your OVP and check those pesky board solder joints.

Steve

glenmore · #3 05-04-2004, 10:48 AM

The intermittent SRS light on my 1991 w124 was the horn hub under the steering wheel. At first it was a random light but then I finally noticed it was related to turning the steering wheel.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400

richard28 · #4 05-04-2004, 12:26 PM

horn contact ring attached to the bottom back of the steering wheel

MikeTangas · #5 05-04-2004, 10:56 PM

Also known as the slip ring assembly. Cost ~$78.

haasman · #6 05-05-2004, 01:20 AM

Thanks Gents. I replaced the contact buttons already but not the ring. I will change that this weekend and see what happens.

The light does not come on when cool out, but when the temps reach 80+ F on comes the light.

Haasman

irieite · #7 05-06-2004, 12:15 AM

My '91 190e does the same thing. Intermittent SRS light, that used to come on only in warmer temps, now does it anytime. I too suspect the steering contact ring. I'd be interested in knowing if it's a fix for you and how difficult it is to replace.

haasman · #8 05-06-2004, 12:27 AM

I am going to a junk yard this weekend and see if I can find one that is in good condition. I have taken off the steering wheel many times before, so that isn't a big deal (always disconnect the battery first!)

I will let you know how it goes ....

Haasman

MikeTangas · #9 05-06-2004, 10:12 AM

Caution on using a steering wheel from the salvage yard. When I resurrected the 560 and rebuilt the SRS sytem I had an intermittent light. Decided it was the slip rings and swapped steering wheels. Now the light was on steady. Ended up getting a new slip ring replacement and the SRS light went out for good.

Do not try prying out the brass rings, they are mounted in a plastic insert, which is screwed to the wheel frame. Replacement of the unit requires the steering wheel be disassembled. Not terribly difficult, just take your time and lay out the parts as you remove them. Don't lose the little springs for the horn (4 I think). Just another piece of cake.

haasman · #10 05-07-2004, 01:16 AM

Thanks for the tips Mike. I will heed them this weekend.

Haasman

irieite · #11 05-19-2004, 12:26 AM

Haasman, did you ever get around to fixing this issue?

haasman · #12 05-30-2004, 09:21 PM

I replaced the steering wheel with a used one that had a newer, less grooved contact ring. The light has not come on improperly since then.

Haasman

Dokta · #13 05-30-2004, 09:55 PM

Hi !
Just as a reminder: up to end of produktion 124, always disconnect battery and then the red 10-pin coupler under the passenger footrest. Due to the design of the crash sensor/ctrl. unit, disconnecting the battery can proof insufficient and cause a tyson-like blow to your head when removing the steering wheel.
All the best,
Dokta