1971 280sl turn signal not working - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

akessel · #1 04-29-2008, 07:02 PM

So the emergency flashers are working, but neither left nor right turn signal is working. Any thoughts?

How easy are these to replace oneself?

Thanks, Andy

Arthur Dalton · #2 04-29-2008, 09:00 PM

Check fuse # 5 and the flasher.

akessel · #3 04-29-2008, 09:20 PM

fuses are fine, I'm not sure about the flasher (don't know where it is - I'm a bit of a novice) but the emergency flasher works fine - causes both outside lights and both left and right indicators to flash.

But when using left turn signal or right turn signal - nothing. Indicatiors don't flash or rear lights.

Could it be the combination switch is just acting up?

Arthur Dalton · #4 04-30-2008, 11:16 AM

The power sequence is from fuse #5 to flasher, to switch.
So , if you have confirmed power to flasher, then next check is terminal wire #54 going to sw.[ That is blk/wh/grn wire at connector on steering column].

Sw is held with 2 screws.
Here is the schematic ..look at 18/flasher and 29/switch. a/b are r/l sw contacts.

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/uploads/Electrical/280sl_bw.jpg

akessel · #5 05-01-2008, 07:59 AM

Thank you for your help with this. Do you know where under the hood the flasher (signal transmitter - apparently its called in the manual) is located. I could test the thing if I could find it. Even my repair guy doesn't know which one it is. there are numerous relays under the hood, and I can't find anywhere a picture showing where it should be.

Thanks again

Arthur Dalton · #6 05-01-2008, 08:32 AM

It is under the dash.

akessel · #7 05-01-2008, 09:52 AM

I appreciate the help. I'm about ready to bring it in and fight with our mercedes dealer in town. If I can't get my regular guy to figure it out, and apparently I have to help. Our Mercedes dealer trys not to deal with cars they haven't sold, and mind you they weren't around in 1971.

Can you believe that, they tell people they won't service a car they haven't sold?

Arthur Dalton · #8 05-01-2008, 09:57 AM

Kinds hard to believe your guy can't find a flasher... that is an owner replaceable item that just plugs in light a light bulb.

akessel · #9 05-01-2008, 09:59 AM

Yes, I need to find a new mechanic. I really like these people, they are very fair, but not very service oriented. Frankly I always feel like he'd prefer to have no customers.

Meanwhile, I'm learning how the car is put together, I'm pretty handy, but not a skilled auto mechanic.

I guess I picked the wrong car. I've had it for 20 years though.

Andy

JPMOSE · #10 05-01-2008, 10:27 AM

It's behind the dash, near the tachometer. Original unit is drum shaped and silver metallic finish. Factory replacement is different....cube shaped and I believe black plastic.

akessel · #11 05-01-2008, 11:30 AM

Is it accessbile from underneath?

I imagine that is the area the combination switch cable attaches as well, I'm thinking of replacing that. Mine has to be held up for right turn - drives me crazy, and I've seen a few "working" ones on ebay that are reasonable.

Thanks so much, you have been a great help

Arthur Dalton · #12 05-01-2008, 11:42 AM

It is quite common for the lever not to latch and it can easily be fixed with a small round file. The latching rollers fit in a round hole and the hole gets worn..refiling of the hole is the fix.
So, take it out and you will see what I mean..

The late 113's had Factory 4 way Flasher switch, not the early style 3 wire can type. Look at the schematic I sent. Switch # 18. Early 113 did not have 4 way and used a standard 3 wire flasher. You have a late 113 version w/4 way.

If you are handy , these car are nor complicated or hard to fix..you just need some info and I would recommend going over to the 113 site ..there are a few good Techs there that specialize on that chassis. ..

http://www.sl113.org/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=16

akessel · #13 05-01-2008, 11:54 AM

I appreciate it. Thanks for your help, I will check the 113 forum out.

Andy

akessel · #14 05-04-2008, 10:10 AM

Well, I got under the dash and receipted what I think is the flasher (though the pins don't look the same as on the diagram in the manual) - big silver Drum. I mean big like 1.5 inchs in diametter and two inches long, and its attached to something that I couldn't get my fat fingers to, to undo it.

Re-seated the connector to it and turn signals working fine now. I guess it was just corrosion.

I also had my 15 year old swap out with my help the spark plugs - I went with the NGK irridiums - Gosh the car really hums now. Makes you think about changing your plugs every week.

I pulled the turn signal switch (though just a little, I just didn't feel like totally disconnecting it yet) to look at how it works - to see if I could see what makes it not stay up (right turn). Nothing obvious to me. I presume one has to take it totally apart?

Lastly, which plug is the plug for the comination switch? The one you can see when you look up underneath? or the one on the back side, that you would need to get someone with awfully small hands to get up there to remove.

Thanks guys.