Does anyone know how to remove and install the combo (dimmer,turn signal,windshield washer ) switch on my '97 E300D? Did they make it hard for us common folks to change it. The part is $131 in Fastlane Cat. Or is this best left to the dealer? Looks like cheap plastic junk to me. Help please!

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hlg

It's fairly easy; remove the airbag and steering wheel and horn contact spiral and it's "right there", may need to also remove the under dash panel to access the wiring connections.

Gilly

Is there a 'how to' to accomplish those things? Would hate to set off the air bag. Don't have a clue how to start, but suspect that once the air bag is safely removed I would feel more confident. Any special tools etc.

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hlg

You'd need a 3" long T30 Torx bit, with the bit driver and a 1/4" drive ratchet, to remove the airbag.
To remove the steering wheel you'd need a 10mm allen socket and a long ratchet, preferrably a 1/2" drive, a long ratchet or breaker bar.

Gilly

Thanks Gilly, I also just found your notes to phouse on 5/14 and those of tdhenning as well. Very good instructions from you both and I can picture the whole thing. Will get the T30 torx bit and 10mm hex socket and go for it. Having built a steering column for my Austin Healey replicar, I do recall the muscle it takes to get the shaft loose and back on again. Used an old mustang II steering column. Turned out great and was a good show car for 10 years. Will try to attach a pic (sold it last year). Have a great weekend and thanks again. Harvey

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hlg

All done. Hardest part is removing the underdash assembly, until,of course you notice that there is a recessed 8mm hex head bolt on the right front underside of the felt finished knee pad. Which I found later and then it just falls down. I could not find the 3 in. T30 torx bit even at the MB place, so rather than order it, I just bought a cheap torx screw driver and cut of the shaft at 3.5 inches. Then used my vise grips to hold it. Worked great. tdhenning has the most complete instructions but minus the under dash part. Hope this helps someone, and thanks all for your help.

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hlg

I know your done but for others.
If you are playing around air bag. First disconnect the Battery. No juice no blown up in your face and hurt you and your wallet.
Charlie

Thanks Charlie, but that instruction was in tdhennings reply on an earlier string. I followed his instructions. I certainly agree that it is a smart thing to do. However, if the ignition is offfffffff
it should not happen, butttttttt why take the chance eh? A very good point. Regards, Harvey

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hlg

I agree the prudent thing to do is remove the negative cable from the battery. I've never personally had a problem by leaving it connected, or known anyone that has, but I have heard "stories" of an airbag being inadvertantly blown off.
In this way, you can also turn the key on if you need to center the wheel to remove the clockspring, without getting an SRS code set. However if you have a 98 or newer, you won't be able to turn the steering wheel at all without battery power (electronic ignition switch) so you'll want to probably procede like this:
Remove airbag retaining screws (usually you'll want to position the steering wheel to provide better access to the screws)
THEN straighten the steering wheel and remove the smartkey (holding airbag to the wheel so it doesn't just fall off).
THEN remove the negative cable from the battery and disconnect the airbag wiring.

When removing the airbag on an ML, I recommend removing the horn relay or fuse, as the horn is always hot on an ML, you get lots of inadvertant horn activations.

Gilly