Dead High Beams - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

freesoul · #1 10-28-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobodaclown

I replaced my combo switch. It was bad. (No high beams). Got one that was pulled. You have to pull the steering wheel. Not like a 123.

I thought I read somewhere that you could do it without pulling the wheel

babymog · #2 10-28-2010, 08:48 PM

You can not install it without removing the wheel, fortunately removing the wheel is a simple job. The hardest part is getting the allen-head bolt to break free, I always use an allen bit in a ratchet, with a box-end wrench over the allen bit so that you can use the ratchet in one hand, the box-end wrench in the other hand, like a Tee-handle. Not keeping the bit straight in the bolt-head can damage it enough that removal will become impossible.

Don't be afraid to apply lots of force, I believe that the steering lock in the 124 is a beefy one that was designed to deter theft well, I've removed at least a dozen wheels this way and it works well.

Anyway, the switch is plugged in under the dash, you'll need to remove the lower dash panel (above the cruise-control amp). Then you can test the new switch by plugging it in, before going through the whole wheel-pulling exercise to install it.

Please however, check the fuses first. Not just visually, but with a test light to ensure that there is actually power on the top of the fuseholder. Corrosion and bad connections plague this fuse system.

The fog-lamps are supposed to stay on with the high beams.

freesoul · #3 10-29-2010, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

You can not install it without removing the wheel, fortunately removing the wheel is a simple job. The hardest part is getting the allen-head bolt to break free, I always use an allen bit in a ratchet, with a box-end wrench over the allen bit so that you can use the ratchet in one hand, the box-end wrench in the other hand, like a Tee-handle. Not keeping the bit straight in the bolt-head can damage it enough that removal will become impossible.

Don't be afraid to apply lots of force, I believe that the steering lock in the 124 is a beefy one that was designed to deter theft well, I've removed at least a dozen wheels this way and it works well.

Anyway, the switch is plugged in under the dash, you'll need to remove the lower dash panel (above the cruise-control amp). Then you can test the new switch by plugging it in, before going through the whole wheel-pulling exercise to install it.

Please however, check the fuses first. Not just visually, but with a test light to ensure that there is actually power on the top of the fuseholder. Corrosion and bad connections plague this fuse system.

The fog-lamps are supposed to stay on with the high beams.

Checked the fuses earlier, with switch pushed to high beams there was no power to top of fuses. Well let me correct that there was like .3V

I am thinking I am better off buying the combination switch new rather then used, can get it for $140 locally.

freesoul · #4 11-02-2010, 10:53 AM

Replaced the combination switch last night and finally after 2 years have high beams!

Fairly easy procedure, make sure to disconnect the battery first and then the red airbag connector under the passenger footwell (pull up carpet/insulation piece then one bolt and remove the metal plate)

You need a slender T27 torx screwdriver to get the airbag bolts. The 10mm nut needed a little torque and I just used a breaker bar and short piece of pipe and had a friend hold the wheel. Once you have the wheel off there are 2 small screws to remove the black plastic piece (shown hanging in below photo) and then 3 screws to remove the cruise control stalk and pull the combo switch right out.

Before I tore mine apart I disconnected the old one underneath and plugged the new one in to confirm that it was bad.

babymog · #5 11-02-2010, 12:23 PM

One important step IMO is to extend the steering column before disconnecting the battery.

freesoul · #6 11-03-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

One important step IMO is to extend the steering column before disconnecting the battery.

Yes sorry I left that out. I actually got into mine and disconnected the battery and airbag connector before I realized that my GPS power wire had gotten sucked in between the telescoping wheel and gauge cluster and had to reconnect the connector and battery to move it back out

The 10mm bolt was not as bad as I thought it was going to be though

Oldwolf · #7 11-02-2010, 02:11 PM

My W124 must be the rare one w/o the telescoping steering column.

babymog · #8 11-02-2010, 02:13 PM

Little switch on the left side of the column, pull or push it to make the column move.

Oldwolf · #9 11-02-2010, 02:19 PM

Nope. Mine doesn't have a switch. Not a great picture but there is no switch.

FrodeS · #10 11-03-2010, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldwolf

Nope. Mine doesn't have a switch. Not a great picture but there is no switch.

This is how it looks :

This was not standard equippment (maybe in the USA?), so there is no law of physics stating this switch have to be there.

In Europe, maybe 1 out of 1000 cars have this. I did retrofit it on mine. On the rest, the steering column simply does not move.

babymog · #11 11-03-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrodeS

This was not standard equippment (maybe in the USA?), so there is no law of physics stating this switch have to be there.

In Europe, maybe 1 out of 1000 cars have this. I did retrofit it on mine. On the rest, the steering column simply does not move.

Europe can get them without many of the standard US features: alloy wheels, power sunroof, automatic climate control, tinted glass, center armrest, power windows, power seats, lighted visor mirrors, ... in the US I thought that it was standard / part of the memory driver's seat.

I forgot the biggie that Europeans can order the car without; automatic transmission!

FrodeS · #12 11-03-2010, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Europe can get them without many of the standard US features: alloy wheels, power sunroof, automatic climate control, tinted glass, center armrest, power windows, power seats, lighted visor mirrors, ... in the US I thought that it was standard / part of the memory driver's seat.

I forgot the biggie that Europeans can order the car without; automatic transmission!

Yes, all that is extra in most parts of the world. The base car without any equippment is really stripped. When buying a Benz, we go to the dealer, check the options we want in the list, wait for half a year while the car is produced at our spec, and get it delivered.

I don't have power windows or lightet sun visors on mine. Cruise control, power seats, outside temperature gauge, heated seats, extra child seats, burled walnuut wood, el. steering column is retrofitted by me. AC (not the automatic climate control, luckily), ASD, tinted glas, trailer hitch, alloys and armrest was ordered by the first buyer.

The 3,0 turbo diesel and 500 was only available with automatic transmission. On all others, it was option. Europeeans normally don't want automatic transmission, "only" when buying mercs.

bobodaclown · #13 11-02-2010, 06:50 PM

The switches are almost 20 years old. They wear/break. Glad you got it working. My steering wheel doesn't adjust either.

babymog · #14 11-02-2010, 08:17 PM

Odd, I thought that all US 124s had the adjustable steering column, with the little paddle-switch just beneath where the blinker lever goes into the plastic shroud.

I had to go out and look for my switch, always use the memory seat switch to adjust steering and forgot where exactly it is.

Oldwolf · #15 11-03-2010, 03:03 PM

I don't have the memory drivers seat either.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode