WDB202/C180 Turn indicator/wiper combination switch

wahfu

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W210/E320
Our C180 wiper/turn indicator combination switch appears to be intermittently faulty. In approximately 20% of times after using the turn indicators the windscreen wiper will also activate uncommanded. To deactivate the wiper we have to select the wiper switch to on, then off. The car is not equipped with a rain sensor.

Has anyone struck this problem or happen to know of a fix..?
 

television

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Cleaning the switch with a good non drying switch cleaner often cures them but in your case it does sound as though a replacement is needed
 
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wahfu

wahfu

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I found a spray can of "Super Servisol 10" switch cleaning lubricant in the garage. Made in Hoylake, Merseyside, England umpteen years ago. Can is still pressurised too. I guess a shot of that pointed in the right area would not do any harm.?

Will I need to remove the steering wheel first to get at the appropriate areas of the combination switching mechanism.?
 

television

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That cleaner is very good,, you may get access with the bottom under dash panel is removed, but not sure, if not wheel off

I do have a how to paper if you would like it
 
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wahfu

wahfu

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Thanks Malcolm,

I did have a look around the area today and it looks like a steering wheel job off to me. I would appreciate a "how to" paper if you have that. I have had the steering wheel off before on the E320 and I know that it gets a little tricky to do that and keep the airbag enabled. The C180 also has a steering wheel airbag.
 

television

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I have sent the paper,if you need more info please ask ask I have not sent some minor ones. Do not turn on ignition with the air bag off the car, or unplugged, I just plug it back in to test these things when you need the ignition on
 

sixpack

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Wipers/indicators

Hi Wahfu,

The switch that needs cleaned is in the pod at the end of the stalk so you dont need to strip the steering wheel etc. The cap on the end of the stalk can be prised off using a blunt knife, its quite stiff but it does come off. Watch for the big spring inside !. A good squirt with switch cleaner should do the trick but hold a rag underneath as dirty black goo usually drips out.

Peter
 
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wahfu

wahfu

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Peter,

Thanks for the advice on pulling the end of the stalk switch apart. I did that yesterday and gave it a good cleanup with the switch cleaner. I was tempted to pull the actual switch apart but it looks like a Pandora's box and in a very awkward position if springs and balls should start dropping out so thought better of it.

I will road test it for a bit and see if there has been any improvement.

Cheers...!
 
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wahfu

wahfu

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Hi Wahfu,

The switch that needs cleaned is in the pod at the end of the stalk so you dont need to strip the steering wheel etc. The cap on the end of the stalk can be prised off using a blunt knife, its quite stiff but it does come off. Watch for the big spring inside !. A good squirt with switch cleaner should do the trick but hold a rag underneath as dirty black goo usually drips out.

Peter
Peter,

Your tip to remove the cap of the combination switch stalk and spray the contacts with a switch cleaner on our C180 has worked perfectly. After a few days of driving I am pleased to advise that the intermittent problem with the wiper activation appears to be cured. Thanks again for your timely advice...! Cheers, Wahfu (Ian)
 

Jon Bernard

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That cleaner is very good,, you may get access with the bottom under dash panel is removed, but not sure, if not wheel off

I do have a how to paper if you would like it


Hi Television, please may I have access to the above combination stalk paper? :p

Thank you

Jon
 

television

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