DIY: Turn Signal / Cruise Control switch replacement
I did this today. It took 1 hour and I took my time doing it.
I want to add some notes:
In step 1-1, please make sure you get a T-30 bit that has longer shaft because the hole is recessed. The image below is similar to what I have and it's not long enough. photo courtesy of diytools.co.uk

Something like below with extension will reach into the hole. photo courtesy of salestores.com

Just take your time do it slowly and common sense, it will be OK.
Last edited by Taiwanese; Jul 9, 2010 at 02:12 AM.
This part looks like the old style switch as they say it will only fit in 01 and 02. Have you tried putting in the new stalk in your car?
I'll buy your old one if it fits.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
But I'm having a similar problem as you - the stalk is sticking, so I wouldn't recommend installing my stalk in your car, since it would probably wouldn't stay working too long.
By the way, I bought my replacement cluster from that seller. I'd recommend them if you ever do go on ebay to buy parts.
Edit: There's a 2006 CLK350 one on ebay now for sale; it's $120. If it were cheaper, I'd buy it on the risk of it not fittting.
Last edited by tommy; Jul 15, 2010 at 12:06 PM.
Do you remember w/c shaft has the brass spacer?
I have a used directional/cruise assembly that came with the steering wheel shaft that I purchased...while I was disassembling it the brass spacer came off before I knew its mounted location. I still do have the spacer.
Just to making sure where the brass spacer belongs before disassembling my car. Thanks.
I have a used directional/cruise assembly that came with the steering wheel shaft that I purchased...while I was disassembling it the brass spacer came off before I knew its mounted location. I still do have the spacer.
Just to making sure where the brass spacer belongs before disassembling my car. Thanks.
I hope this is the answer you need.
@Slammer111, can you add this picture to you firs post?




I mentioned in my DIY that the wheel must be centred. The reason is because the cable attached to the sensor must be placed such that it can rotate with the full range of motion of the steering wheel. There is a cable coiled inside and the # of coils must not be altered. Imagine you took off the steering wheel, gave the sensor a 360deg whirl (ie adding or subtracting a coil), then put everything back together and tried to turn the wheel.. *snap*
Also, it makes sense not to bend any terminal pins. I'd imagine anyone who isn't an idiot will know better.

Last edited by slammer111; Aug 20, 2010 at 10:07 PM.
I mentioned in my DIY that the wheel must be centred. The reason is because the cable attached to the sensor must be placed such that it can rotate with the full range of motion of the steering wheel. There is a cable coiled inside and the # of coils must not be altered.
I know you mentioned that the wheel must be centred. This is not about centering wheel. For removing air bag you have to remove 2 torx screws. Right one is easy but to get excess to the left one you have to put turn signal handle up (right turn signal). If you forget to put it back to “0” position right after you remove torx then there is big chance to damage self-cancellation pin. I learned that hard way.
Thanks a bunch. The instructions helped keep the job to under 2 hours.
What I found on my 03 CLK is that the two electrical connectors to the air bag have safety clips that are the same color as the connector. But the same applies. Just pull out the safety plug and then the switch pretty much pops out.
Changing the turn signal proved to be a bit more involved. You've got to really take your time and not get frustrated. There are a bunch of plastic "rails" that must be carefully aligned before the assembly will slide back in. The T30 torx screw that you unscrew from the bottom of the steering column must be also angled into the switch assembly or you'll have to disassemble everything again. Ask me how I know this!

One other thing, having a T10 screwdriver is useful when you're disassembling the switch. The thin shaft helps access to the screws.
Main thing is that my wife is happy!
Last edited by rennwerkes; Aug 22, 2010 at 12:24 AM.




Thanks a bunch. The instructions helped keep the job to under 2 hours.
There are a bunch of plastic "rails" that must be carefully aligned before the assembly will slide back in. The T30 torx screw that you unscrew from the bottom of the steering column must be also angled into the switch assembly or you'll have to disassemble everything again. Ask me how I know this!


So what happens if you don't angle the steering column T30 screw? Now you've got me paranoid if I did this part correctly?



Thanks for the heads up!