r129 indicator problems.

[jgraeme]

1995 280sl r129. when indicating all indicator lamps flash instead of L or R as required. i have checked all fuses . relay part no 1298201026 situated above fusebox below bonnet ondrivers side is suspected as being at fault after reading many posts related to my problem. My first attempt to remove it failed ,but a resulted in loss of all indicator function although hazards still work also left with only 1 wiper speed. have now removed said part and have bought a replacement relay part number 1298201026 not yet fitted it. to clarify hazards have worked correctly throughout. Any advice would be very much appreciated Graeme.

 

[Smiley]

I am pretty sure that the relay will be your problem. It is the same sort as fitted to the 124 and controls the wipers and indicators. The problem is dry joints inside the relay so moving it around in the holder sometimes changes or fixes the symptoms. Did you buy a new one? Out of interest how much is it now? They were pretty expensive 15 years ago.

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

Could also be the ignition switch, heavy duty contacts within that can wear.
Are you getting any other odd faults, things switching off, eg put the wipers on, the radio goes off, indicate left and the right side flashes ??.

part number 1295450504

 

[jgraeme]

I am pretty sure that the relay will be your problem. It is the same sort as fitted to the 124 and controls the wipers and indicators. The problem is dry joints inside the relay so moving it around in the holder sometimes changes or fixes the symptoms. Did you buy a new one? Out of interest how much is it now? They were pretty expensive 15 years ago.

thanks. Smiley yes bought a used relay cost £ 260 ouch , fitting it did not solve problem ? wipers ok as before but all indicators flashing when u indicate L or R...........? as before, central locking is not working but car can be locked with key this has always been the case i mention it only in case it is diagnostic also alarm does not work but i can live wih these issues Indicator fault however must be fixed?l

 

[jgraeme]

Could also be the ignition switch, heavy duty contacts within that can wear.
Are you getting any other odd faults, things switching off, eg put the wipers on, the radio goes off, indicate left and the right side flashes ??.

part number 1295450504

thanks wears the foxhat . no odd faults just all indicators flashing when you indicate L or R car ishas done 141000 miles ignition switch seems OK though ,

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

so fitting the used, new to you relay still leaves the same fault ??? duff used part perhaps.

probably better to get a knowledgeable auto electrician before spending on more parts, indicator switch, damaged wiring harness or plug connecting both circuits? apologies as not a lot of use, no access to any wiring diagrams.

 

[Ted]

Does the R129 have a PSE pump?
On the R170, both L and R indicators go to that (to flash all indicators when you lock them)
Might just be worth unplugging it if it had one, especially with their history of water entry.

 

[Doodle]

Does the R129 have a PSE pump?
On the R170, both L and R indicators go to that (to flash all indicators when you lock them)
Might just be worth unplugging it if it had one, especially with their history of water entry.

The 170 has a fully integrated alarm system. OP's 129 is too old for that, flashes warning lights on the door handle and interior mirror, not the indicators.

 

[slade1]

Is the multi function stalk same same/similar to the one fitted to CLK? Wipers only worked on single stroke.
New stalk solved the problem now all good.

 

[slade1]

Forgot, the multi function stalk apparently is a known problem so could affect all operations,
Broken wire, dirty contacts?

 

[R129mine]

I had a similar issue, indicators did not work properly (when indicating to the right left blinkers operated, to the left nothing worked, SRS light would come on and off, wipers stopped working (scary in the rain) and the cigarette lighter fuse would burn out.

Indie replaced the relay which made no difference, I thought perhaps the wiper arm was drawing too much power so took it apart, cleaned it up, greased it with lithium grease, no joy.

I took the indicator / wiper arm stalk apart and cleaned it up and this made no difference but I am now 100% certain the stalk is the issue as when it stops working properly (wiper arm) i can fiddle with the stalk and then it all of a sudden works

I have the replacement stalk on my workbench and need to fit it but keep postponing it as I am not sure how much of a pain the steering wheel removal is going to be.

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

The steering wheel on my 98 has two Allen key bolts (7mm) holding the airbag onto the steering wheel, accessed from behind. Don’t forget to remove the neg terminal from the battery first.
The bolt holding the wheel on is 10mm hex, mine was put on by a very strong person !!!!
buy a new bolt to refit the wheel though.