Windshield washers not working
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
W203 C220 Sedan
Windshield washers not working
Hi.
I have a problem, with the windshield washers/wipers. When I press in the stalk, neither the wipers move, neither the washers spray water. However, if I turn the stalk to the max wiper speed, everything works fine, including the washers (they start to work).
Meaning, when I have the stalk on the off setting, if I press in, nothing happens, but if I have it on the max speed, everything works fine.
Does this problem relate with the stalk it self, or is it anything else?
I have a problem, with the windshield washers/wipers. When I press in the stalk, neither the wipers move, neither the washers spray water. However, if I turn the stalk to the max wiper speed, everything works fine, including the washers (they start to work).
Meaning, when I have the stalk on the off setting, if I press in, nothing happens, but if I have it on the max speed, everything works fine.
Does this problem relate with the stalk it self, or is it anything else?
Last edited by mapm1998; Jul 5, 2021 at 12:32 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
If the problem is with the stalk, there is a chance the problem will be intermittent. Sounds like what you're experiencing.
I'm guessing your stalk has been replaced before. If so, whoever did it didn't shave down the rail as per the instructions.
Be sure to do this when you replace the stalk.
Turn signal stalk replacement
I'm guessing your stalk has been replaced before. If so, whoever did it didn't shave down the rail as per the instructions.
Be sure to do this when you replace the stalk.Turn signal stalk replacement
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 53
Likes: 3
W203 C220 Sedan
If the problem is with the stalk, there is a chance the problem will be intermittent. Sounds like what you're experiencing.
I'm guessing your stalk has been replaced before. If so, whoever did it didn't shave down the rail as per the instructions. Be sure to do this when you replace the stalk.
Turn signal stalk replacement
I'm guessing your stalk has been replaced before. If so, whoever did it didn't shave down the rail as per the instructions.
Be sure to do this when you replace the stalk.Turn signal stalk replacement
And can I use the stalk that I have installed on the car, or is it necessary a new one?
Last edited by mapm1998; Jul 5, 2021 at 01:37 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
The wire has been cut by rubbing against the rail section (part of the shroud) that wasn't removed. This issue applies to anyone with an "older" shroud and "newer" stalk. As the stalks are known for wearing out (the "clicky" bits stop holding the stalk in the turn positions), most W203s currently on the road will have this potential problem. These stalks seem to only last a few years, and the "older" stalks disappeared from the marketplace over a decade ago.
The link I posted earlier explains everything.
In theory you can try to resolder the severed wire, but personally I found there wasn't enough wire sticking out from the stalk to do so. I would recommend replacing the entire stalk, and of course grinding down the rail.
The link I posted earlier explains everything.
In theory you can try to resolder the severed wire, but personally I found there wasn't enough wire sticking out from the stalk to do so. I would recommend replacing the entire stalk, and of course grinding down the rail.
Last edited by slammer111; Jul 7, 2021 at 06:58 AM.
