W202 C Class Multifunction (indicator) stalk failure - car needed reboot

[niva441]

Hi All

I wonder if anyone has experienced the problem I had on Friday. On leaving work the indicators didn't work, I also found that neither the washers or wipers worked.

So I stopped, turned off, gave it a moment then restarted (effectively rebooting the car) and everything worked as normal. The problem hasn't occurred since and there has been no sign of any odd behaviour previously(from the car at least).

As none of the functions worked and restarting the car sorted it, I'm guessing the problem isn't with the stalk, but deeper inside the loom / CAN bus.

Any input would be appreciated, thanks for your time.

Todd

 

[Dec]

Hi Todd, there has recently been quit a few questions like yours involving the wipers and indicator fault. The faults relate to the wiper operating on their own or wipers coming on when indicating left, but always involve the wipers and indicators.

The usual answer is that it must be the stalk and that is a reasonable conclusion to draw however the wiper and indicator switches while on one lever are two separate switches.

So there may be something in what you say however I don’t think, “rebooting” is actually going to do what you suggest but I would go along with the theory of the wiring loom being faulty, somewhere?

If you do a search on the word “wiper” and “stalk” you can read some similar posts to yours.

Dec

 

[niva441]

Dec

Thanks for the reply. I did a post before posting (remembered to check for a change) and didn't find anything that mentioned both faults occurring together.

So, as it is unlikely that both switches would fail simultaneously then come back after turning off. It would seem the problem is downstream of the stalk itself, is there any section of the loom, or electrical module I should focus on?

It hasn't repeated the fault, but I'm hoping to sort it before it becomes a more major issue.

Thanks

Todd

 

[Dec]

If it’s a one off fault it’s not going to be easy to identify until it reoccurs, perhaps a diagnostic check on Star as it would seem like its something like ecu, there is also a relay which is involved in the wipers and indicators which is located under the fuses.
See also… http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/search.php?searchid=1022697
Dec

 

[c200_pete]

my c200 did that so i checked all the fuses, taking them out and cleaning them and both the wipers and indicaters came back on.
weather this did it or maybe a multiplug under the fuse box with all the fuse wiggling i did it but it's still ok now.
but now i've got a big problem it's only running on 2 cylinders, oh well
the indicators and wipers are still working ........Pete

 

[chris heap]

ind and wipers.

hi had his happen to me the other night but also had no windows central locking interior lights etc. only things that workd where engine, interior fan and air con and lights. tried what you did but in the end had to dissconnect battery.could be sam module or multi function relay in the boot. chris

 

[Alfster]

My 2008 W204 has also just had the same problem with the stalk.

Indicate left and the wipers came on, also indicate left and sometimes it indicated right!

Anyway shouldn't happen on a £30k car, but my MB dealership has replaced it free under warranty, so no probs.

I like the new E Class & fancy one next but not so sure now. Also had the winscreen seal move and a steering rubber bush need replacing, again all under warranty but it's only 2 1/2 yrs old!