HELP!!!! 190E switches

[jakmeticklerpaper]

Well here goes---
I'm new to MB and still at the novelty stage with my 190E 2.6. Wonderful motor but unfortunately I chose yesterday's downpour for my first extended run. First thing I needed was the rear screen demister - pressed the switch in the centre dash and the whole switch disappeared into the interior of the dash! One hour later and some damn sore fingers, I had got it back but it's going to do the same thing next time. I know I can't be the only one who's had this problem, so here's a question or two for you 190 boffins out there:
1) Anyone got an instant /easy cure?
2) Anyone figured out how to remove that small centre section of dash, to get at the back of the switch?
3) Does anyone make a matching small section of wood veneer to cover up all but the centre switch hole?
Thanks in advance for any help. :wink:

 

[bazza]

I have heard people talking about this problem on 190 revolution, you could try asking there. The address is www.190revolution.net

cheers, bazza

P.S. Where abouts are you?

 

[NormanB]

Jack

RU Andrew or ex?
PM me

Regards

NormanB

 

[jakmeticklerpaper]

Thanks for your replies, Bazza & Norman B
I will check out the 190 website as you recommend - still hope someone on here will have an answer.
To answer your Q's, I am in South Somerset and yes I am ex- Pusser, D069441, left as a Mech 1 in 1973.

 

[bazza]

Just done a quick search on 190 revolution and it appears that you need a new piece of plastic for the switch surround. Apparently to remove it you have to take out the left hand blank to access the screw behind, there is an allen headed screw between the two centre vents and a third screw somewhere else, sorry I don't know where


Hope this helps

Bazza

 

[NormanB]

Jack MTP!!

Thought so
Mind you I was just finishing my tiffy apprenticeship as you left.
Oi!- did you just spit on me bats!

Regards
NormanB

 

[joe bloggs]

2 more screws under the middle airvent, pull the vents out with a hook.

 

[jakmeticklerpaper]

190E switches

Joe,
Many thanks for your reply, I feel like I'm getting somewhere now. How many screws are there altogether and where are the others? Grateful for any help.
jak mtp

 

[joe bloggs]

2 screws behind airvents as mentioned, they also secure the consol so don't worry if it goes a bit loose, 1 or 2, can't remember exactly above switch openings, if your switch is still in the murky depths of your dash you can push the other switch/blanks out from here, have a look with a torch, the allen screw in behind the vent knob is connecting the knob to the flap, also used to adjust flap when you refit, will have to be uindone.
Now I always take the glovebox lining out and pull the instrument cluster out to get to the rubber bellows that fits round the heaterbox, you will see what I mean as you proceed, If you can get away with it leave the whole thing in place but pull the instrument cluster out to get behind the panel to retrieve your switch. Remember to remove cable tie (if fitted) for speedo cable under bonnet next to water valve, and feed the cable through with the cluster, don't pull too hard or you will stretch the cable.
Not as bad as it sounds, good luck

 

[jakmeticklerpaper]

Joe
Thanks again for your help.
Sounds damn complicated just to remove the very top section of the console with the demist switch in. Does the instrument panel need to come out?
Anyway I will try to find all the screws when the weather clears up a bit - can you confirm the air vents just pull out?
Jak MTP

 

[joe bloggs]

If you just want to refit your switch it is probably easier to remove the instrument cluster, this pulls out - remember speedo cable. (put some lube on the rubber pads when you push it back in. the airvents are clipped at the pivot point, best to use a small hook and pull them from the back outwards, do one end at a time.

 

[jakmeticklerpaper]

Joe and everyone who offered advice,
Many thanks for all your help. Now the rain has paused for a while , I had a chance to pull out the top of the console and fix the switch. Very fiddley and tough on the fingers but it's done.
Hope I can do the same for you some day.
All the best,
Jak m t p