headlamp flasher not working

[jackie]

I have a SLK 230 and have noticed that the headlamp flasher is not working, although main beam is via the operation of the stalk when the headlamps are on. I have checked the fuses and they seem ok, could it be the relay, if so where is it located.

 

[television]

Can be one of two thing,relay or the stalk flash switch.On your car it is nearly always the stalk assembly try and not be too tech; they go because when you operate the flash switch it puts a voltage over the relay coil. when you let go of the stalk, the magnetic field in the relay collapses and puts out a higher out of phase voltage, this voltage burns the contacts on the switch if you replace it you could put a cap across the contacts. I have known some people put a diode over the relay, but not good as you get a hold on effect.

Malcolm

 

[turnipsock]

are you talking about back emf? usually there is a diode to stop the relay being damaged. I'm sure that MB will have covered this.

If you are testing your flash by driving up behind people and flashing and they don't move over...the simple answer is to over take on the inside. Make sure you pass a camera with you on their tail and pass them when there is no camera.

 

[television]

are you talking about back emf? usually there is a diode to stop the relay being damaged. I'm sure that MB will have covered this.

No, I said some people fit a diode, Not MB.
And the part that that gets damaged is the switch contacts, not the relay. A cap is standard practice in electronics but not in cars through some reason.

Malcolm

 

[television]

Bahamas

I add to this thread that if I could get £135 for a simple switch I would not try and stop them burning out. I could post them from the Bahamas.

Malcolm

 

[jackie]

Before I spend.

Thanks very much for your help, unfortunatley I could'nt get onto the net before now due to two sons who have preference for access. I assume that the £135.00p (+ VAT??????) is the cost of a replacement stalk not including fitting, if thats the case is there any way of checking whether it is the stalk or not before I go to the bank manager for a loan/Morgage.
P.S. I need the flasher to allow other road users out at Junctions, to warn of danger during darkness etc. and not to "get them out of my way........."
Thanks Jackie

 

[television]

You have to get it checked first, it could still be the stalk or relay. Have a look in the fuse box, they are all marked as to what they do. without knowledge of working on cars with the tools and instruments required it is not something you can do yourself.

MALCOLM

 

[jackie]

it was worth a try

Thanks for your help, I will have to "bite the bullet" and pay the man....cheers. Hope to thread again. Jackie

 

[GregE240]

Jackie,

Same exeperience in my 500SL recently. Everything worked on the stalk bar the headlamp flash. Then the Saturday before last the whole lot failed....

New stalk £108 +VAT from MB, my man fitted it for £30. Not an easy job, but its all fine now.

He DID test the relay before ordering the stalk, so I wasn't ordering it blind, so to speak. The relay is dearer than the stalk on my car