DIY: Turn Signal / Cruise Control switch replacement
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
DIY: Turn Signal / Cruise Control switch replacement
The cruise control stalk off my car broke off a while back and needed replacement. It's actually not too hard if you know what you're doing; however, if this is your 1st time taking your steering column apart there are definitely a couple of tricky parts.
Time: approx. 1-2h for the 1st time.
Tools:
Torx T-30
Torx T-10
Torx T-9 (if you need to take the actual switch apart)
10mm hex socket
Breaker bar for removing steering wheel (especially if this is your 1st time) - at least 15" recommended
Slot screwdriver - 2-3mm wide
The stealer wanted $200 for the switch, so I found one off eBay. Thanks to Olstons, they were VERY helpful and even gave assistance over the phone. I hope they don't mind me using this picture.
Time: approx. 1-2h for the 1st time.
Tools:
Torx T-30
Torx T-10
Torx T-9 (if you need to take the actual switch apart)
10mm hex socket
Breaker bar for removing steering wheel (especially if this is your 1st time) - at least 15" recommended
Slot screwdriver - 2-3mm wide
The stealer wanted $200 for the switch, so I found one off eBay. Thanks to Olstons, they were VERY helpful and even gave assistance over the phone. I hope they don't mind me using this picture.
Last edited by slammer111; Jan 12, 2021 at 08:36 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Step 1: Remove the steering wheel.
Park the car and make sure the wheel is dead centre. Yes, this is IMPORTANT.
The link above gives you a detailed step-by-step. But in case you're too lazy to read:
1) Undo 2 T30 bolts from the back of the steering wheel (roughly 9 and 3 o-clock).
2) Lift airbag/horn assembly gently and tilt towards you.
3) Disconnect 3-wire connector (black/red/white).
4) Disconnect airbag connectors. Use the slot screwdriver to pry up the orange tabs, then pull the 2 (yellow and green) connectors out, straight out of the airbag. They're in there pretty tight.
5) Undo the 10mm hex bolt in the middle of the steering wheel. They used a ton of Loctite at the factory so this was a real biotch to get out. Use the breaker bar. Be sure to actually counteract the torque using the steering wheel, NOT THE STEERING LOCK.
When you are done, the steering column should look like this. Notice there are 2 missing "grooves" inside the steering wheel that line up with the 2 black markings (shown in red arrows). You will need to line this up later. Make a mental note.
Park the car and make sure the wheel is dead centre. Yes, this is IMPORTANT.
The link above gives you a detailed step-by-step. But in case you're too lazy to read:
1) Undo 2 T30 bolts from the back of the steering wheel (roughly 9 and 3 o-clock).
2) Lift airbag/horn assembly gently and tilt towards you.
3) Disconnect 3-wire connector (black/red/white).
4) Disconnect airbag connectors. Use the slot screwdriver to pry up the orange tabs, then pull the 2 (yellow and green) connectors out, straight out of the airbag. They're in there pretty tight.
5) Undo the 10mm hex bolt in the middle of the steering wheel. They used a ton of Loctite at the factory so this was a real biotch to get out. Use the breaker bar. Be sure to actually counteract the torque using the steering wheel, NOT THE STEERING LOCK.
When you are done, the steering column should look like this. Notice there are 2 missing "grooves" inside the steering wheel that line up with the 2 black markings (shown in red arrows). You will need to line this up later. Make a mental note.
Last edited by slammer111; Mar 16, 2010 at 06:06 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Step 2: Remove steering angle sensor assembly
Undo the 3 T-10 screws, and pop off the assembly.
The rotating part is actually held in place by 6 tabs (see yellow arrows) around the shaft, where there is an inscribed groove. MB says there is a special tool to remove this part, but I was able to (with great difficulty) wiggle the tabs + assembly out.
Be forceful, yet gentle on this part. I'd assume it'd be pretty easy to break the tabs off, but in any case I got lucky here.
Here is a better side view of what you're dealing with. You need to get the green hooks out while pulling towards yourself (in the direction of the Steering Wheel).
Undo the 3 T-10 screws, and pop off the assembly.
The rotating part is actually held in place by 6 tabs (see yellow arrows) around the shaft, where there is an inscribed groove. MB says there is a special tool to remove this part, but I was able to (with great difficulty) wiggle the tabs + assembly out.
Be forceful, yet gentle on this part. I'd assume it'd be pretty easy to break the tabs off, but in any case I got lucky here.
Here is a better side view of what you're dealing with. You need to get the green hooks out while pulling towards yourself (in the direction of the Steering Wheel).
Last edited by slammer111; Mar 16, 2010 at 06:00 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Step 3: Remove steering column cover
There is a T-30 bolt that needs to be undone from the bottom of the steering column. The photo shows the location of this bolt, looking upwards.
The bolt loosens but will not fall out, as the casing is designed not to allow it to. You will see what I mean when you can see the inside at a later step. It secures the inner assembly to the car.
Once this is out, grab the plastic casing (the part of the steering column that telescopes out) and pull. The 2nd pic shows the casing with the entire works removed. All of the steering wheel stalks should be attached to the casing, which is now in your hand.
There is a T-30 bolt that needs to be undone from the bottom of the steering column. The photo shows the location of this bolt, looking upwards.
The bolt loosens but will not fall out, as the casing is designed not to allow it to. You will see what I mean when you can see the inside at a later step. It secures the inner assembly to the car.
Once this is out, grab the plastic casing (the part of the steering column that telescopes out) and pull. The 2nd pic shows the casing with the entire works removed. All of the steering wheel stalks should be attached to the casing, which is now in your hand.
Last edited by slammer111; Mar 16, 2010 at 06:01 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Step 4: Remove switch assembly
It's all downhill from here.
Look inside the back of the casing you just removed.
If you only need to remove the turn signal switch, you can see the 2 T-10 screws that are holding it in place.
If you need to remove the Cruise Control/Voice Control switch, remove the 3 T-10 screws (they're much deeper in) holding the stalk assembly in place. Once you undo these, the assembly should fall right out and should look like this.
Be careful, 1 of the 3 shafts has a brass bushing/spacer that you do not want to lose.
It's all downhill from here.
Look inside the back of the casing you just removed.
If you only need to remove the turn signal switch, you can see the 2 T-10 screws that are holding it in place.
If you need to remove the Cruise Control/Voice Control switch, remove the 3 T-10 screws (they're much deeper in) holding the stalk assembly in place. Once you undo these, the assembly should fall right out and should look like this.
Be careful, 1 of the 3 shafts has a brass bushing/spacer that you do not want to lose.
Last edited by slammer111; Mar 16, 2010 at 06:07 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Step 5: Open cruise control switch (optional)
I had to "transplant" my Voice Control stalk into the new switch. If you do not have VCS, you will not need to do this part.
With the switch pulled out, remove the 4 T-9 screws. The 2 halves of the switch are also held together with 3 soft plastic "hooks" which are easily popped open with your slot screwdriver. From here you can see how the shafts are attached to the switch. Swap the parts as needed from your old switch.
Step 6: Put everything back together.
Just reverse Steps 1-5 and you're done! Be sure to line up that steering wheel.
I had to "transplant" my Voice Control stalk into the new switch. If you do not have VCS, you will not need to do this part.
With the switch pulled out, remove the 4 T-9 screws. The 2 halves of the switch are also held together with 3 soft plastic "hooks" which are easily popped open with your slot screwdriver. From here you can see how the shafts are attached to the switch. Swap the parts as needed from your old switch.
Step 6: Put everything back together.
Just reverse Steps 1-5 and you're done!
Be sure to line up that steering wheel.
Last edited by slammer111; Mar 16, 2010 at 06:03 AM.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: centennial, CO
2003 c240
i got a question, when i hit my turn signal to signal to the right, the stick doesnt lock in as well as it should. Do i need to replace the stick or is there "sleeve" or something that can be changed?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
^ Funny you should mention that. I had the exact came problem a couple of years back, same direction too. Might have been a bad batch of turn signal stalks. Mine was fixed under warranty though.
AFAIK the entire stalk + switch assembly is one part. It's kind of crappy but unless you know of a wrecker, you do have to buy the entire assembly. You can then open up the assembly and transplant any parts (such as the actual stalk itself) if you want. Good luck.
AFAIK the entire stalk + switch assembly is one part. It's kind of crappy but unless you know of a wrecker, you do have to buy the entire assembly. You can then open up the assembly and transplant any parts (such as the actual stalk itself) if you want. Good luck.
Last edited by slammer111; Apr 25, 2010 at 03:34 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I got REALLY lucky and found my switch on eBay. Try searching "W203 Turn Signal", and also also eBay username "olstons". Unfortunately if you cannot find one there, the dealer may be your only choice.
Last edited by slammer111; Apr 25, 2010 at 05:09 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City, CA
2003 C230K Sedan
Hope this helps fookoo303.
http://www.genuinemercedesparts.com/...layCatalogid=0http://www.parts.com/oemcatalog/inde...layCatalogid=0
Last edited by MbzC230K; Apr 25, 2010 at 10:02 PM. Reason: Found another link to add
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 537
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From: Charlotte, NC
2013 S550, CLS500, ‘03 SL500, “92 190E Sportline
I have to replace my turn signal as well. I found it at MB of Fort Lauderdale for about $91.
Part # 000-545-23-10. If you search "trademotion mercedes", that dealer shows up.
Part # 000-545-23-10. If you search "trademotion mercedes", that dealer shows up.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
OK, so one thing on my wishlist has always been to get the updated turn signal / cruise stalks (they have rounded corners, and feel much better than the squared-off 01/02 stalks).
Went on Trademotion, and there are two different part numbers to separate the years, which makes sense. My question is - do you think that they'll fit anyway? It's only $100, and I'm going to have my steering wheel swapped back soon enough, but I was wondering what people thought. I think it's most likely that the newer one will bolt right up, as I can't imagine them changing the connection to the steering column, but you never know.
Went on Trademotion, and there are two different part numbers to separate the years, which makes sense. My question is - do you think that they'll fit anyway? It's only $100, and I'm going to have my steering wheel swapped back soon enough, but I was wondering what people thought. I think it's most likely that the newer one will bolt right up, as I can't imagine them changing the connection to the steering column, but you never know.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I'm 99% sure it'll work for the turn signal, and 100% sure for the cruise/VCS that it'll work. After all they just snap whatever stalk they need into the switch during assembly. I can even take apart my cruise switch and stick in a 2002 stalk if I wanted to. When I bought my VCS, the guy asked me which style stalk I wanted. It came separately and I had to pop it into the switch after it arrived.
Last edited by slammer111; Nov 24, 2019 at 11:20 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Cool - thanks for the information. I'll have to try it; my turnsignal stock is getting a little sticky anyway.
I'll post the results when I know anything.
I'll have to try it; my turnsignal stock is getting a little sticky anyway.I'll post the results when I know anything.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
^ Try these guys. http://www.rmeuropean.com/mercedes-parts.aspx#Category
They seem to have the cheapest parts I can find out there, unless you want to include eBay. I had the same problem too once. Looks like a bad batch of switches.
They seem to have the cheapest parts I can find out there, unless you want to include eBay. I had the same problem too once. Looks like a bad batch of switches.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 380
Likes: 5
From: So Cal
2003 C230
^ Try these guys. http://www.rmeuropean.com/mercedes-parts.aspx#Category
They seem to have the cheapest parts I can find out there, unless you want to include eBay. I had the same problem too once. Looks like a bad batch of switches.
They seem to have the cheapest parts I can find out there, unless you want to include eBay. I had the same problem too once. Looks like a bad batch of switches.
Do you have the part number or correct item name?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 812
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From: centennial, CO
2003 c240
