Hello,


The rear headrests on my '94 e320 stopped falling when I pushed the button. So I popped up the rear seat and tested the vaccuum. The vaccuum checked good (when I bypassed the relay / switch the headrests fell). So I took off the electrical connection from the dash switch and decided to test the voltages on the pins to see if the dash switch or the relay was to blame.

I measured all pins to chassis ground. I got 11.8 volts on the pin with the black / green wire. Every other pin measured 0 volts. Nothing happend when I pressed the dash switch. I'm guessing the dash switch is bad, but would like to remove it from the panel to test it individually before I spend money on a new one.

What is the best way to remove this switch from the dashboard w/o damaging the dash? I'm guessing this is a PBNO type switch, am I correct? If someone could send me the proper voltages and normal switch operation information, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks,
Will

Try this,

While moving, accelerate a little, and while releasing the throttle, hold down on the switch. You might find they drop. If so maybe not enough vacumn is present

I doubt the switch is bad unless you have depressed it over 10,000 times.

__________________
Mike Mullins
03 911 Targa 35K
07 MB C350 Sport (Mileage Sacrifice)
17 Sienna (Grandkids mobile movie Theatre)
17 Toyota Tacoma DBL Cab (YardBoy)
95 E420 (Chariot of Fire) 143K
11 ML350 (Recently Traded)
00 SL500 (Recently Sold)
08 E350 Sport 4Matic (great all round automobile)
90 944/S2 Cabriolet (Loved It)
02 986S (Road Scalpel)
97 E320 Great chassis
92 E420 Red Rider Whip
71 250C Restored MBCA Concours winner and Sold
72 450SEL The Gold Crown - MBCA Concours Winner

Hi Mike,

I tried that in an attempt to build up the vaccuum pressure, but still no go.

I'm convinced it's electrical / mechanical since when I connect the vaccuum lines directly (bypassing the relay valve) the headrests drop with no problem.

I don't have the manuals, so I can't tell what contacts of the relay need power to open the valve. If I knew that, I could test the electrics to tell if it is the switch or the valve. Also, if I could get the switch out, I could short the contacts manually to bypass the switch and see if the switch is at fault.

How do I safely get the switches out of the dashboard?

Thanks for the help.
Will