W126

Finny · 12-02-2009, 12:20 PM

My first post,

Will get around to posting details of my car shortly.

My 1988 300SEL looses it's headlights.
Parking lights remain and high beam works fine. And the actuall headlight both work OK.

I have identified that wiggling the indicator stalk causes the headlights to come on or go off.
Sometimes it takes a while. placing pressure on the stalk towards myself puts them on.
If turning a corner, when the indicators return back to normal position after truning or if flashing the high beam, and headlights can go out.

Has anyone had this happen, and can it be fixed by cleaning up the contacts.
I also have a drivers airbag, so would prefer not to remove the unit .

Any ideas ?

grober · 12-02-2009, 01:27 PM

There is a relay involved but it sounds very like your steering column mutifunction switch is faulty. Unfortunately you will probably have to remove the steering column+ airbag to renew it. This thread may be useful especially the link to the illustrated mercedes shop post at the end. http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=63844

jonnyboy · 12-02-2009, 02:51 PM

try disconnecting the battery, then spray some switch cleaner into the column where the stalk extis, wiggling around in all the directions.

has solved same fault on two cars for me now

Finny · 13-02-2009, 06:31 AM

Thanks jonnyboy, that's what I was hoping to do.

I assumed that some grease or something was stopping the connections, and that some pressurised cleaner (electrical cleaner) would fix it.

I'll buy some and give it a try. Hadn't thought to disconnect the battery before hand. I suppose it could short something in there.

Finny · 02-04-2009, 02:56 PM

Have used the contact cleaner and after several weeks have not had any light issues. Perfect all the time. Jonnyboy was on the winner, thanks again.

Baron_Samedi · 02-04-2009, 03:11 PM

If oil or proper circuit cleaner causes a short-circuit it will be defying the laws of physics.... or some other natural science.

There isn't anything conductive in those products.

12-02-2009, 12:20 PM	#1
Finny New Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Australia Car: W126 (300SEL) Posts: 9	W126 Headlights turning off My first post, Will get around to posting details of my car shortly. My 1988 300SEL looses it's headlights. Parking lights remain and high beam works fine. And the actuall headlight both work OK. I have identified that wiggling the indicator stalk causes the headlights to come on or go off. Sometimes it takes a while. placing pressure on the stalk towards myself puts them on. If turning a corner, when the indicators return back to normal position after truning or if flashing the high beam, and headlights can go out. Has anyone had this happen, and can it be fixed by cleaning up the contacts. I also have a drivers airbag, so would prefer not to remove the unit . Any ideas ? Last edited by Finny; 12-02-2009 at 12:55 PM. Reason: Insufficient info

12-02-2009, 01:27 PM	#2
grober Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Perth SCOTLAND Car: E220 COUPE Posts: 8,968	There is a relay involved but it sounds very like your steering column mutifunction switch is faulty. Unfortunately you will probably have to remove the steering column+ airbag to renew it. This thread may be useful especially the link to the illustrated mercedes shop post at the end. http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=63844

12-02-2009, 02:51 PM	#3
jonnyboy Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Camberley, Surrey Car: 2000 s430lwb, 1991 sl300-24 project, 300se w140 and w126 Posts: 1,085	try disconnecting the battery, then spray some switch cleaner into the column where the stalk extis, wiggling around in all the directions. has solved same fault on two cars for me now

13-02-2009, 06:31 AM	#4
Finny New Member Threadstarter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Australia Car: W126 (300SEL) Posts: 9	Thanks jonnyboy, that's what I was hoping to do. I assumed that some grease or something was stopping the connections, and that some pressurised cleaner (electrical cleaner) would fix it. I'll buy some and give it a try. Hadn't thought to disconnect the battery before hand. I suppose it could short something in there.

02-04-2009, 02:56 PM	#5
Finny New Member Threadstarter Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Australia Car: W126 (300SEL) Posts: 9	Have used the contact cleaner and after several weeks have not had any light issues. Perfect all the time. Jonnyboy was on the winner, thanks again.

02-04-2009, 03:11 PM	#6
Baron_Samedi Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wiltshire UK Car: CLK200K Posts: 1,889	If oil or proper circuit cleaner causes a short-circuit it will be defying the laws of physics.... or some other natural science. There isn't anything conductive in those products.

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