W108 Headlight demons

[etype74]

I'd appreciate some thoughts on how to fix the demonic headlamps on my W108 (1973 280SEL). The low beams and side markers all work together fine, but when I use the high beam 'flasher' by pushing the directional stalk inward, only the LHD side illuminates both top and bottom lamps. But here's what's weird.. when I push the directional stalk outward to turn on the high beams completely, both LHD lamps go 'out' and both RHD illuminate! What the heck? This is a standard issue US spec car. Thanks for any help.

[tr1cky]

Originally Posted by etype74

I'd appreciate some thoughts on how to fix the demonic headlamps on my W108 (1973 280SEL). The low beams and side markers all work together fine, but when I use the high beam 'flasher' by pushing the directional stalk inward, only the LHD side illuminates both top and bottom lamps. But here's what's weird.. when I push the directional stalk outward to turn on the high beams completely, both LHD lamps go 'out' and both RHD illuminate! What the heck? This is a standard issue US spec car. Thanks for any help.

My 300SD sat for a while. Many of the things that work now, didn't work when I first got it on the road.

It could be that the combination stalk could be defective, have a dirty or loose connection?

Questions:

Was the lighting system rewired at any time? Front end collision at some time? Have you checked all fuses and cleaned fuse sockets?

[JimFreeh]

It's your combination switch.

If you can get all four filaments lit one direction, and not the other, then the switch is at fault.

Jim

[pchbreeze]

I couldn't google a wiring diagram but I agree with the above two...its probably it. I don't know if you'll find an oem (original) replacement but you might be able to take it apart and replace contact points.

[etype74]

Thanks for the response. I'm going to take it apart once all this snow melts. I'm buried here in Connecticut.

[Pooka]

You can likely get some contact cleaner at Radio Shack and clean it out.

Taking these apart can get tricky. Sometimes it is the only way, but I always try the contact cleaner first.