Replacing steering wheel buttons and removing the airbag
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CL 600
Replacing steering wheel buttons and removing the airbag
Ok, so i bought a new set of steering wheel buttons from MB for less than $180.00. Im looking forward to replacing the gummy old buttons as to make the interior look perfect again. I realize there are x2 30 torx's on the back side of the steering wheel that release the airbag assembly and allow me to replace the buttons on both sides.
My question is simply this. With the car "OFF" is it 100% safe to remove the airbag, replace the buttons and then replace the airbag? And will there be any codes when i re-start the car?
Thanks for any help, i hope to complete this tomorrow...
My question is simply this. With the car "OFF" is it 100% safe to remove the airbag, replace the buttons and then replace the airbag? And will there be any codes when i re-start the car?
Thanks for any help, i hope to complete this tomorrow...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
First, do this at your own risk, don't hold me liable for anything, all other disclaimers apply.
Move steering wheel all the way forward so you have clearance.
Unplug the battery. Let the car sit for 30 minutes. Press the brake pedal (tries to turn on brake lights) to make sure everything is drained. Touch the metal hood or roof to ground yourself and get rid of static.
Unscrew two screws using allen wrench. They are tough and a little hard to reach. Unplug button wires and remove the single wire for the airbag. You are now holding a grenade. Point it away from your face and try not to shuffle anything (static) or touch the airbag contact.
Swap the button assembly. Reconnect button cables, then airbag. Rescrew. Plug battery back in.
You shouldn't have any codes. This is actually pretty easy, it's just you want to be careful (safety first).
Move steering wheel all the way forward so you have clearance.
Unplug the battery. Let the car sit for 30 minutes. Press the brake pedal (tries to turn on brake lights) to make sure everything is drained. Touch the metal hood or roof to ground yourself and get rid of static.
Unscrew two screws using allen wrench. They are tough and a little hard to reach. Unplug button wires and remove the single wire for the airbag. You are now holding a grenade. Point it away from your face and try not to shuffle anything (static) or touch the airbag contact.
Swap the button assembly. Reconnect button cables, then airbag. Rescrew. Plug battery back in.
You shouldn't have any codes. This is actually pretty easy, it's just you want to be careful (safety first).
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CL 600
First, do this at your own risk, don't hold me liable for anything, all other disclaimers apply.
Move steering wheel all the way forward so you have clearance.
Unplug the battery. Let the car sit for 30 minutes. Press the brake pedal (tries to turn on brake lights) to make sure everything is drained. Touch the metal hood or roof to ground yourself and get rid of static.
Unscrew two screws using allen wrench. They are tough and a little hard to reach. Unplug button wires and remove the single wire for the airbag. You are now holding a grenade. Point it away from your face and try not to shuffle anything (static) or touch the airbag contact.
Swap the button assembly. Reconnect button cables, then airbag. Rescrew. Plug battery back in.
You shouldn't have any codes. This is actually pretty easy, it's just you want to be careful (safety first).
Move steering wheel all the way forward so you have clearance.
Unplug the battery. Let the car sit for 30 minutes. Press the brake pedal (tries to turn on brake lights) to make sure everything is drained. Touch the metal hood or roof to ground yourself and get rid of static.
Unscrew two screws using allen wrench. They are tough and a little hard to reach. Unplug button wires and remove the single wire for the airbag. You are now holding a grenade. Point it away from your face and try not to shuffle anything (static) or touch the airbag contact.
Swap the button assembly. Reconnect button cables, then airbag. Rescrew. Plug battery back in.
You shouldn't have any codes. This is actually pretty easy, it's just you want to be careful (safety first).
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
cl500 2001
I am considering replacing mine in the future and am interested in what if any issues you encounter replacing them.
Thx for sharing.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CL 600
A 220 821 06 79 7421, this is straight off the box. Ordered them from my local MB dealer.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CL 600
I used the advice from Saintz and the install went well.
The tools needed:
10mm socket and wratchet(to disconnect battery)
#30 Torx(to remove airbag), this must be very short and thin. See the 90 degree(yellow) tool in the pics below.
#20 Torx(to remove buttons)
Pick set
Tiny flathead screwdriver set(to disconnect connectors)
The process is:
Put the steering wheel in the position you wish it to stay in while you work.
Disconnect battery and wait 30 min.
Loosen the 2 #30 torx screws on the back of the steering wheel until you can pull the airbag forward away from the steering wheel, you do NOT have to remove them completely.
Remove the airbag connector(yellow), i prefer using my fingers not a metal tool just to be safe. Its pretty snug so i just carefully wiggled it as i pulled up unitl it released.
Remove the other connector(black), this one is really tough to remove. There is a tiny hole on the inside of the female end of the connector, allowing you to use a 90 degree angled pick to push in the little tab. Unfortunately it is very hard to access this tiny tab so i just used a flat head screwdriver to carefully pry it apart.
Now you can flip the airbag over and remove the 4 #20 torx screws(2 on each side) holding the button assemblies on. One side has 2 connectors and the other has 3. These are the same as the difficult black one mentioned above, except the tiny tabs are easily accessible to push down on with a pic or tiny flat head screwdriver.
Be sure to check that the buttons fit properly(aesthetically) and then re-install everything in the reverse order. Reconnect your battery and ensure that the buttons work. Voila!
***Now i do have one favor to ask. My phone buttons(lower right side) do not function, meaning when i push them nothing happens in any screen. My phone is not setup so maybe thats why. I just need somone to confirm if these are supposed to be doing something when i push them?
The tools needed:
10mm socket and wratchet(to disconnect battery)
#30 Torx(to remove airbag), this must be very short and thin. See the 90 degree(yellow) tool in the pics below.
#20 Torx(to remove buttons)
Pick set
Tiny flathead screwdriver set(to disconnect connectors)
The process is:
Put the steering wheel in the position you wish it to stay in while you work.
Disconnect battery and wait 30 min.
Loosen the 2 #30 torx screws on the back of the steering wheel until you can pull the airbag forward away from the steering wheel, you do NOT have to remove them completely.
Remove the airbag connector(yellow), i prefer using my fingers not a metal tool just to be safe. Its pretty snug so i just carefully wiggled it as i pulled up unitl it released.
Remove the other connector(black), this one is really tough to remove. There is a tiny hole on the inside of the female end of the connector, allowing you to use a 90 degree angled pick to push in the little tab. Unfortunately it is very hard to access this tiny tab so i just used a flat head screwdriver to carefully pry it apart.
Now you can flip the airbag over and remove the 4 #20 torx screws(2 on each side) holding the button assemblies on. One side has 2 connectors and the other has 3. These are the same as the difficult black one mentioned above, except the tiny tabs are easily accessible to push down on with a pic or tiny flat head screwdriver.
Be sure to check that the buttons fit properly(aesthetically) and then re-install everything in the reverse order. Reconnect your battery and ensure that the buttons work. Voila!
***Now i do have one favor to ask. My phone buttons(lower right side) do not function, meaning when i push them nothing happens in any screen. My phone is not setup so maybe thats why. I just need somone to confirm if these are supposed to be doing something when i push them?
Last edited by 240M3SRT; Nov 3, 2011 at 11:50 PM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CL 600
Banned
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: NY
2003 CL600, CL2 Sport Package, Eurocharged / 2014 Jeep SRT / 2009 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 LS2
Restore Command Navigation Screen & Steering Wheel Control Buttons
Hello All,
I hope my message reaches everyone enjoying a great New Year. I own a 2003 CL600 purchased from Bruce of Becks Imports with 71,000 miles. The ECU has been Eurocharged through John at Broadway Performance and the car performs spectacular. However there were issues that bothered me. My Command Navigation Screen had areas where the AR coating was partially removed leaving it extremely discolored. Also my Steering Wheel Control Buttons had almost 10 years worth of sticky build-up covering them and down grading an almost perfect interior. This wonderful site gave me information that enabled me to fix both problems for only $25.00.
1) Novus Plastic Restorer Kit
2) Goo Gone Orange Adhesive Remover
I just finished using Novus Plastic Restorer on my CL600 Command Navigation Screen. If you are patient and follow the steps correctly your screen will once again look new. The product has 3 applications. No. 1 Clean & Shine, No. 2 Scratch Remover, and No. 3 Heavy Scratch Remover. Simply follow the enclosed instructions. It will take about 30 minutes and never apply too much pressure. The product worked flawlessly. The Command Screen is like new.
My Steering Wheel Control Buttons were also in terrible shape. I had thoughts of replacing them, but at a replacement cost of about $200.00 and taking apart the entire wheel was not a good option for me. I purchased Goo Gone. I used a clean and soft microfiber cloth and saturated one corner of it with the Goo Gone. I worked the product over each button, holding the button down at the corner to stop it from moving back and forth.
I had almost a decade of sticky build-up on those buttons. Again, your patience will pay off. I used about a quarter of the bottle of Goo Gone and 30 minutes of elbow grease. The Goo Gone removed all of the build-up on the buttons. I removed the excess Goo Gone, and completely dried the buttons. I then applied Novus #2, to remove any scratches from the buttons. Then applied Novus #1 to clean and polish the buttons. The buttons are now like new. I greatly appreciate all the posts on this site, they have helped me greatly. I'm glad to be able to offer something back.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Anthony
I hope my message reaches everyone enjoying a great New Year. I own a 2003 CL600 purchased from Bruce of Becks Imports with 71,000 miles. The ECU has been Eurocharged through John at Broadway Performance and the car performs spectacular. However there were issues that bothered me. My Command Navigation Screen had areas where the AR coating was partially removed leaving it extremely discolored. Also my Steering Wheel Control Buttons had almost 10 years worth of sticky build-up covering them and down grading an almost perfect interior. This wonderful site gave me information that enabled me to fix both problems for only $25.00.
1) Novus Plastic Restorer Kit
2) Goo Gone Orange Adhesive Remover
I just finished using Novus Plastic Restorer on my CL600 Command Navigation Screen. If you are patient and follow the steps correctly your screen will once again look new. The product has 3 applications. No. 1 Clean & Shine, No. 2 Scratch Remover, and No. 3 Heavy Scratch Remover. Simply follow the enclosed instructions. It will take about 30 minutes and never apply too much pressure. The product worked flawlessly. The Command Screen is like new.
My Steering Wheel Control Buttons were also in terrible shape. I had thoughts of replacing them, but at a replacement cost of about $200.00 and taking apart the entire wheel was not a good option for me. I purchased Goo Gone. I used a clean and soft microfiber cloth and saturated one corner of it with the Goo Gone. I worked the product over each button, holding the button down at the corner to stop it from moving back and forth.
I had almost a decade of sticky build-up on those buttons. Again, your patience will pay off. I used about a quarter of the bottle of Goo Gone and 30 minutes of elbow grease. The Goo Gone removed all of the build-up on the buttons. I removed the excess Goo Gone, and completely dried the buttons. I then applied Novus #2, to remove any scratches from the buttons. Then applied Novus #1 to clean and polish the buttons. The buttons are now like new. I greatly appreciate all the posts on this site, they have helped me greatly. I'm glad to be able to offer something back.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Anthony
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 4
From: Berlin
W215/X164/C124
Hello All,
I hope my message reaches everyone enjoying a great New Year. I own a 2003 CL600 purchased from Bruce of Becks Imports with 71,000 miles. The ECU has been Eurocharged through John at Broadway Performance and the car performs spectacular. However there were issues that bothered me. My Command Navigation Screen had areas where the AR coating was partially removed leaving it extremely discolored. Also my Steering Wheel Control Buttons had almost 10 years worth of sticky build-up covering them and down grading an almost perfect interior. This wonderful site gave me information that enabled me to fix both problems for only $25.00.
1) Novus Plastic Restorer Kit
2) Goo Gone Orange Adhesive Remover
I just finished using Novus Plastic Restorer on my CL600 Command Navigation Screen. If you are patient and follow the steps correctly your screen will once again look new. The product has 3 applications. No. 1 Clean & Shine, No. 2 Scratch Remover, and No. 3 Heavy Scratch Remover. Simply follow the enclosed instructions. It will take about 30 minutes and never apply too much pressure. The product worked flawlessly. The Command Screen is like new.
My Steering Wheel Control Buttons were also in terrible shape. I had thoughts of replacing them, but at a replacement cost of about $200.00 and taking apart the entire wheel was not a good option for me. I purchased Goo Gone. I used a clean and soft microfiber cloth and saturated one corner of it with the Goo Gone. I worked the product over each button, holding the button down at the corner to stop it from moving back and forth.
I had almost a decade of sticky build-up on those buttons. Again, your patience will pay off. I used about a quarter of the bottle of Goo Gone and 30 minutes of elbow grease. The Goo Gone removed all of the build-up on the buttons. I removed the excess Goo Gone, and completely dried the buttons. I then applied Novus #2, to remove any scratches from the buttons. Then applied Novus #1 to clean and polish the buttons. The buttons are now like new. I greatly appreciate all the posts on this site, they have helped me greatly. I'm glad to be able to offer something back.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Anthony
I hope my message reaches everyone enjoying a great New Year. I own a 2003 CL600 purchased from Bruce of Becks Imports with 71,000 miles. The ECU has been Eurocharged through John at Broadway Performance and the car performs spectacular. However there were issues that bothered me. My Command Navigation Screen had areas where the AR coating was partially removed leaving it extremely discolored. Also my Steering Wheel Control Buttons had almost 10 years worth of sticky build-up covering them and down grading an almost perfect interior. This wonderful site gave me information that enabled me to fix both problems for only $25.00.
1) Novus Plastic Restorer Kit
2) Goo Gone Orange Adhesive Remover
I just finished using Novus Plastic Restorer on my CL600 Command Navigation Screen. If you are patient and follow the steps correctly your screen will once again look new. The product has 3 applications. No. 1 Clean & Shine, No. 2 Scratch Remover, and No. 3 Heavy Scratch Remover. Simply follow the enclosed instructions. It will take about 30 minutes and never apply too much pressure. The product worked flawlessly. The Command Screen is like new.
My Steering Wheel Control Buttons were also in terrible shape. I had thoughts of replacing them, but at a replacement cost of about $200.00 and taking apart the entire wheel was not a good option for me. I purchased Goo Gone. I used a clean and soft microfiber cloth and saturated one corner of it with the Goo Gone. I worked the product over each button, holding the button down at the corner to stop it from moving back and forth.
I had almost a decade of sticky build-up on those buttons. Again, your patience will pay off. I used about a quarter of the bottle of Goo Gone and 30 minutes of elbow grease. The Goo Gone removed all of the build-up on the buttons. I removed the excess Goo Gone, and completely dried the buttons. I then applied Novus #2, to remove any scratches from the buttons. Then applied Novus #1 to clean and polish the buttons. The buttons are now like new. I greatly appreciate all the posts on this site, they have helped me greatly. I'm glad to be able to offer something back.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Anthony
also picture of the product
Banned
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
From: NY
2003 CL600, CL2 Sport Package, Eurocharged / 2014 Jeep SRT / 2009 SAAB 9-7X AERO 6.0 LS2
Restore Command Navigation Screen & Steering Wheel Control Buttons
Hello Wease206,
I hope this reply reaches you doing well. I regret I don't have before pictures to offer. I didn't expect to post a comment about that Sunday morning to do list with my CL600. My Command Screen, and Steering Wheel Control Buttons were in a condition similar to problem pictures already posted on this site. I do have after pictures for everyone's review. This link is below.
Best regards,
Anthony
http://img440.imageshack.us/slidesho...?id=027nup.jpg
I hope this reply reaches you doing well. I regret I don't have before pictures to offer. I didn't expect to post a comment about that Sunday morning to do list with my CL600. My Command Screen, and Steering Wheel Control Buttons were in a condition similar to problem pictures already posted on this site. I do have after pictures for everyone's review. This link is below.
Best regards,
Anthony
http://img440.imageshack.us/slidesho...?id=027nup.jpg
Last edited by acbaines; Jan 12, 2012 at 04:45 PM. Reason: Incorrect Link
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 4
From: Berlin
W215/X164/C124
Hello Wease206,
I hope this reply reaches you doing well. I regret I don't have before pictures to offer. I didn't expect to post a comment about that Sunday morning to do list with my CL600. My Command Screen, and Steering Wheel Control Buttons were in a condition similar to problem pictures already posted on this site. I do have after pictures for everyone's review. This link is below.
Best regards,
Anthony
http://img440.imageshack.us/slidesho...?id=027nup.jpg
I hope this reply reaches you doing well. I regret I don't have before pictures to offer. I didn't expect to post a comment about that Sunday morning to do list with my CL600. My Command Screen, and Steering Wheel Control Buttons were in a condition similar to problem pictures already posted on this site. I do have after pictures for everyone's review. This link is below.
Best regards,
Anthony
http://img440.imageshack.us/slidesho...?id=027nup.jpg
The link you provided cant open
pm me
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Waimea, Hawaii
2003 V12 CL600, a Supercharged 2002 Z06, an 89 Corvette and an 07 Jeep Wrangler
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
CL 600
Looks like you had really good results on your buttons. I love Goo Gone but i have always considered it more harsh than rubbing alcohol, yet rubbing alcohol went through the sticky build up and actually removed the black paint from my buttons(they are white underneath). Guess i should have tried the Goo Gone first, hard to say if it would have made any difference though.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach, CA
'05 S430 4MATIC Sport, 2009 GT Zaskar MTB
Looks like you had really good results on your buttons. I love Goo Gone but i have always considered it more harsh than rubbing alcohol, yet rubbing alcohol went through the sticky build up and actually removed the black paint from my buttons(they are white underneath). Guess i should have tried the Goo Gone first, hard to say if it would have made any difference though.
Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach, CA
'05 S430 4MATIC Sport, 2009 GT Zaskar MTB
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes CLK 200 Kompressor W208
button removal
Can someone please tell me if it is possible to remove the buttons without taking off the steering wheel. I need to do a complete clean and repaint of mine since the paint has worn away to show the white plastic in patches. It looks grubby. I think I could do a better job with this if the buttons could be removed.
thanks.
thanks.
