Hey everyone. I think I spilled some kind of soda or something on my 09 c300. The wheel physically spins freely, but it doesn't actually scroll like it should. The wheel does work when it's pressed up down left right or "into the car". It just doesn't scroll when spun. The "back" and "clear" buttons work, but they are very sticky. What can I do to fix the wheel and clean the buttons?

 

If sticky stuff went inside the only solution is dissambling the entire unit to clean it properly. Or try your best to clean the small gaps with hard paper but dont let it get stuck there and try your luck to the dealer and say it doesnt work and if you are still under warranty and they dont figure out it is ypur on doing then they might fix it for you but that is really trying your luck.

 

Spilling liquids onto the center console is common and despite the wide eyed innocence of the owners, the dealers are well acquainted with this. It is never warranty. Somewhere around $2-300 plus labor.

My friend JB who works for a local dealer has told me that it is usually a female driving an SLK who wants the shift module replaced since she doesn't like driving in limp-home mode. "Who, me. spill my latte?"

I have noticed that the shifter console in my 2008 appears to have been liquid proofed compared to my W203 (bah!) which was not.

 

Is there a DIY to remove the center console?