W124 Multifunction stalk

[Charles Morgan]

Or whatever the control stalk for the wipers, indicators and high beam is called.

I was fiddling sorting out my headlamps, in another thread, and put the stalk on to high beam (first time in a long time) and no problem. Driving afterwards I was conscious of a troubling click as I operated the wipers, and since then neither intermittent wiping nor automatic wiper use when screenwashing is working. Slow and fast wiper use is unaffected.

Checked fuse, no problems, could this be the stalk in need of replacement? If so, is it simple, as I would prefer not to have to pop the car down to Olly for something that could be sorted simply close to home.

I am extremely appreciative of anybody who takes the trouble to answer on here, I sometimes feel as though I am always requesting info, which I am not in a great position to reciprocate. A metaphorical (literal if we meet) pint for any trouble!

 

[Dec]

Sounds like the N10 relay, see... http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/favourites/93685-how-repair-resolder-relay.html

Dec

 

[jonnyboy]

If it's a stalk I have a few half decent ones.

 

[Charles Morgan]

I'll check the relay soonish, but not until it stops pouring down!

Needless to say, my rear wiper has completely packed up, having been on the blink for some time.

It never rains etc....

 

[w124nut]

On a previous W124, an E220, the multi function stalk operated intermittently on the indicator function; the wipers worked okay.

I'm afraid all I did was to go to the Mercedes Dealership in Bromley where at cost (I can't remember how much,) it was replaced. My skills with spanners and electrical equipment are definitely lacking.

Sorry I can be of no further help.

 

[Smiley]

The relay is the first thing to check. Try moving it around in its slot with the wiper switch on intermittent. Having said that I rather suspect that the problem may be with the stalk itself.
It is not too hard to change but you will need to remove the steering wheel first - and the airbag before that of course. Make sure that you buy a good one - they are all getting old now of course and they do fail in different ways. (would probably have been better / more reliable as two stalks actually)

 

[Smiley]

On a previous W124, an E220, the multi function stalk operated intermittently on the indicator function; the wipers worked okay.

I'm afraid all I did was to go to the Mercedes Dealership in Bromley where at cost (I can't remember how much,) it was replaced. My skills with spanners and electrical equipment are definitely lacking.

Sorry I can be of no further help.

This symptom is usually a sign that the relay is knacked rather than the stalk.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Definitely the relay. Taking advantage of a sunny morning, with intermittent wipers on, fiddling with the relay in different positions caused the wipers to start again. I shall extract the relay and have a look sometime later this weekend, but it is clearly the cause of the problem.

Many thanks all for excellent input!

 

[SilverSaloon]

sounds familiar. i've just re-soldered my broken relay. Rob Parker (three pointed parts) has relays at very good value if yours is beyond repair.

I actually will be fitting a new stalk too soon as my writing on it is a bit worn

 

[mattc]

I actually will be fitting a new stalk too soon as my writing on it is a bit worn

This might sound a bit obvious but are you sue its worn the print away or could it be accumulated grease, sweat etc thats hiding the ink? I thought one of ours had worn away but when i cleaned the stalk with some multipurpose cleaner away came this layer of crud that was hiding the print.

I expect its not the case in this instance Derek because I get the impression you look after your vehicles.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Got the relay out, removed the case and with the aid of a magnifying glass, determined that the pin for the wiper had cracked all the way round. Bit fiddly soldering but got enough all around it to sort the crack, and low, intermittent wiping now works perfectly.

Thank you for the help, this place is a fantastic resource!

Also greased my wiper arm while the bonnet was open. Using the Goodwood books W124 service manual is ok, but drawings not great and descriptions could be clearer.

 

[trapperjohn]

Ladies and Gentlemen. We give you Charles "Sparky" Morgan:bannana:

 

[Charles Morgan]

Thank you, thank you, and for my next trick I shall re-wire my shower lighting with the power and water on full....