Cruise control

[C270 CDI]

Hi all, I've just picked up a 2003 SL500 and while I'm completely happy with it it seems the cruise control won't work. The stick has the yellow light on which I'm assuming means the limiter is on, and if I press it in to select cruise the light doesn't go out.
Is there an easy way to fix this, or is it best to get a new stick? Would all models of the same year have the same stick, and would it be a simple case of changing it and plugging the replacement one in?

Thanks.

 

[Stratman]

Make sure the limiter is disengaged by pushing the stick away from you towards the instruments, this will hopefully turn off the light then press the end switch inwards to select cruise control.

If this sorts it out, you owe us some pictures of your 500

 

[Benzowner]

To engage cruise control, make sure the limiter is off first, then when you achieve your required speed, lift the arm and your cruising speed is set. Push the arm down to reduce speed or lift to increase. Push the arm away or touch your brakes to disengage. Pull the arm towards you and it will restore your previously set speed, go careful with the last one, it will get to your previous speed as quick as it can and in a 500 that will be quick. I once had my cruise set at 85 and had to slow down for roadworks to about 45, pulled on the stick, car dropped down a couple of gears and took off, held on fro grim death good though.

 

[C270 CDI]

Thanks for the reply Stratman, I've tried that but nothing changes - the light still won't go off.

 

[mat8n]

Sorry to intrude, can you engage the limiter and cruise? so you can't 'cruise' past xx speed?

 

[renault12ts]

Sorry to intrude, can you engage the limiter and cruise? so you can't 'cruise' past xx speed?

No.

 

[lexman8]

Different car, but on mine there is a separate small switch on the stalk for switching the speed limiter on and off.

 

[lxi]

It isn't very intuitive.

Mine has the light but the only time I saw it on was when I pressed the end of the CC down the line of the stalk (to see what it did), ie towards the steering column - pressed it again & the light went out. That's pressing the end the same way as you would to work the screen washer with the control below.

As others have said, when you get to the speed you want, pull the stalk towards you (like you were flashing your headlights). To disengage, push it away from you. To increase the speed, lift it up (as if you were indicating right) - to decrease, push it down.

 

[renault12ts]

It isn't very intuitive.

Mine has the light but the only time I saw it on was when I pressed the end of the CC down the line of the stalk (to see what it did), ie towards the steering column - pressed it again & the light went out. That's pressing the end the same way as you would to work the screen washer with the control below.

As others have said, when you get to the speed you want, pull the stalk towards you (like you were flashing your headlights). To disengage, push it away from you. To increase the speed, lift it up (as if you were indicating right) - to decrease, push it down.

Are you sure?

On mine it's up or down to engage, push back to disengage, and pull forward to resume if disengaged from a previously set speed.

 

[lxi]

Are you sure?

On mine it's up or down to engage, push back to disengage, and pull forward to resume if disengaged from a previously set speed.

as I said it's not intuitive. So not intuitive I got it wrong

As mitigation, I've only been driving R230s for 8 years

 

[C270 CDI]

Well guys thanks for the replies but I know how the system works, or is supposed to work - I've had a W203 and an R129 before this one and the light on the stick is on (limiter selected) no matter what I do and no matter which direction I push the stick.
Is there a simple alternative to getting a replacement stick - as my first question asked, are the sticks all the same on all this age Mercs?

 

[richard]

Sounds like the switch has gone, as that switch turns the light on and off even when cruise control hasn't been configured on the car (i.e when we are retrofitting cruise).

The stick and related switch is replaceable - you'll need one from a SL probably, so either get a used SL one or a new one.
If your car has voice recognition you need one with the VR lever too - its one switch pack and two levers. The VR lever is detachable, the cruise one is not. I.e if you have VR dont buy the set that is just the cruise control.

R

 

[C270 CDI]

Thanks Richard, I don't have VR on it, just the normal stick. I'll have a look and see what I can find in the way of used - I have a massive aversion to buying brand new MB parts!!

 

[b1g1an]

Always check the new price first, you may be surprised as many parts are unexpectedly cheap...obviously not all though!

 

[C270 CDI]

Well that would be unexpected!! Does anyone know a good link to a MB parts list, or is it better just to call the dealers?

 

[tec]

Well that would be unexpected!! Does anyone know a good link to a MB parts list, or is it better just to call the dealers?

Have you tried ebay?

 

[C270 CDI]

Yeah I just ordered one from Germany. Says it's a brand new item and cost me £20 including delivery - hopefully it's the right one. Now all I have to do is work out how much of the car I have to take to bits to fit it!!

 

[C270 CDI]

I am now officially classed as stupid - hit the limiter by mistake when I was driving today and then once I'd pulled the end of the stick about a bit the light went out. Now I have fully functional cruise control and speed limiter!! D'oh!!!