qdessa

I need to replace the cruise control switch on a 87 300D. This is the stalk on the column. The car has SRS, etc.

Do I need to remove the steering wheel and if so what are the proper precautions. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
Alan

Jer

You will probably need to remove the steering wheel which includes removing the airbag. This is a dangerous procedure if you don't have the service manual to tell you EXACTLY what to do. I have the manual, and wouldn't even attempt it myself. I'd recommend taking the car to your MB mechanic and having them do it.

pifcat2

I was told by a person who sells refurbs airbags that they may not function after 10 years. If that's true, cars older than 1993 should be checked and or replaced. Does anyone know how to do that?

Jer

They should be replaced. The only way to check is to detonate it. The service manual explains how to remove the airbag, but it has to be specially packed for return to the Sindelfingen plant in Germany. Or you can use a scrap Mercedes with the special airbag detonation box and attempt to detonate it. Either way, have a dealer or MB shop replace it for you.

Jim's500E

Its quite stupidly easy to replace the cruise stalk...you do need to remove the steering wheel and have to use a breaker bar on the allen head bolt that holds it in there. Re-torque the wheel so the green paint marks line up on the allen bolt and the steering column. Airbag comes off with 2 screws in the back and just unplug it....its easy and not dangerous...best to disconnect the battery first to be super safe. You'll need to remove the headlamp switch bezel and knee bar too to get at the plug...not a big deal, just takes about an hour to do the whole job.

I have an extra US W124 stalk if you need, used , $10...works fine...

Jer

The battery should definitely be disconnected! No doubt about it!

qdessa

On my car ( 87 300D) there is a label with instructions on disabling the SRS. The label is located under the passenger side floormat, going up the firewall.

Hopefully I will get a chance to replace the stalk this weekend.

pifcat2

qdessa,
What are the symptoms that cause you to identify the cruise stalk? My '86 operates intermittently. How do you know if it's the control switch or another component (if there is one)?

Jer

The two other components are the amplifier and the actuator.

As for the SRS warning under the passenger floor mat, there is a red coupling under the rubber mat. This plug should be uncoupled only after the battery negative has been disconnected and secured (so it doesn't contact the battery while you're working!).

qdessa

after disconnecting the red coupling in the passenger footwell...

two torx screws on back of wheel, I did not disconnect the red connector from the airbag. When I removed the steering wheel from the column the airbag came with. The contact to the rest of the system is thru rings on the back of the steering wheel.

Put in new stalk and done... But cruise in still intermittent -- on to the amplifier...