Turn Signal Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ozawa · #1 07-18-2007, 09:19 PM

hello all,

this may be a rudimentary question but i searched the archives to no avail.

my 1973 450se's turn signal lever will not stay in the either up or down position. my turn signals work fine as long as i physically hold the lever either up or down, but won't stay put. for some reason, since my car is a very early W116, the combo switch costs an arm and a leg; way more than the later W116s.

is there anyway to take the switch apart and rectify this or do i have to bite the bullet and by a whole new lever/combo switch assembly?

thanks in advance for any replies.

diametricalbenz · #2 07-18-2007, 09:47 PM

The ball detents for those get worn out and they stop holding and so using the turn signals becomes annoying. You can try spraying some non conductive lubricant and work it back and forth, sometimes that frees it up.

As an alternative, I have a used one that works if you're interested.

Tomguy · #3 07-18-2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozawa

is there anyway to take the switch apart and rectify this

Yes, and I may someday write a DIY on how to, but in the meantime:

If you take the stalk out you'll see where the small pin rests when you have it in the turn position (one on top for right turns, one on the bottom for left, IIRC; but it may be back-asswards). There should be a small curve to the resting point, but by now that's worn down too far (or completely flat). A round chainsaw file tends to be great for filing a new circle back in. Warning: Over-filing will result in the opposite effect also known as "Grandma", where the turn signals stay on after a turn. File a little bit and see if it holds enough, file until you think it's good, then do the other side. You're aiming to put in a small ramp that it needs to go over.

JimFreeh · #4 07-19-2007, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomguy

Yes, and I may someday write a DIY on how to, but in the meantime:

If you take the stalk out you'll see where the small pin rests when you have it in the turn position (one on top for right turns, one on the bottom for left, IIRC; but it may be back-asswards). There should be a small curve to the resting point, but by now that's worn down too far (or completely flat). A round chainsaw file tends to be great for filing a new circle back in. Warning: Over-filing will result in the opposite effect also known as "Grandma", where the turn signals stay on after a turn. File a little bit and see if it holds enough, file until you think it's good, then do the other side. You're aiming to put in a small ramp that it needs to go over.

Yep, been there, done that.
Of particular concern is the potential to overdo it, be gentle......

Jim

ozawa · #5 07-20-2007, 01:11 PM

guys,

thanks for the replies. i'll give it a go once i get my Landcruiser Exxon/Valdez leakage situation remedied.

ozawa · #6 09-19-2007, 08:20 PM

this is very late in coming but thanks to all who replied. i have to admit however that i took the easy way out; i shelled out the bucks for a new combo switch. after examining the old switch, i was clearly able to see the "ramps" that had flattened out with time.

my project landcruiser has been beating me down and i just wasn't in the mood to fuss with the turn signal switch.

again, thanks to all who replied.