Sticky buttons
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Joined: Oct 2010
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1997 e320
Sticky buttons
Hey y'all. Just picked up a '97 e320 for my teenager's first car and though maintenance is up to date, I have found the P.O.'s children must have had a Coka-Cola fit in it (shift console) and there are many stuck electrical switches.
Any advice on getting them unstuck w/o causing further damage?
Thanks,
Jim
Any advice on getting them unstuck w/o causing further damage?
Thanks,
Jim
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Hi Jim and Welcome to the forum -
The switch panel which surrounds the shifter is pretty easy to remove. No tools needed.
Start by removing the black plastic rectangle that surrounds the shift gate. It's a press fit. Just lift it a little an a time going from corner to corner. It helps to have some kind to tool to pry with which doesn't scratch anything. I use a wedge shaped piece of polypropylene. You may have to work on it for awhile if liquids have spilled and dried.
Once the trim piece is out, the wood panel lifts up. Use your fingers at the front and back edges. Be careful of wires attached to the back. All electrical connections are keyed and different.
The switches are sealed pretty well but the connections should be cleaned and sprayed with electronic contact cleaner. If you want, the switches can be detached. The window switches have a plastic slider to release them. IIRC, the switches along the back edge may have 1 or 2 small phillips screws.
FYI, if you are not familiar with the W210's be aware there are some electronics below the shifter which can malfunction if liquid is spilled. You might want to alert your kid.
The switch panel which surrounds the shifter is pretty easy to remove. No tools needed.
Start by removing the black plastic rectangle that surrounds the shift gate. It's a press fit. Just lift it a little an a time going from corner to corner. It helps to have some kind to tool to pry with which doesn't scratch anything. I use a wedge shaped piece of polypropylene. You may have to work on it for awhile if liquids have spilled and dried.
Once the trim piece is out, the wood panel lifts up. Use your fingers at the front and back edges. Be careful of wires attached to the back. All electrical connections are keyed and different.
The switches are sealed pretty well but the connections should be cleaned and sprayed with electronic contact cleaner. If you want, the switches can be detached. The window switches have a plastic slider to release them. IIRC, the switches along the back edge may have 1 or 2 small phillips screws.
FYI, if you are not familiar with the W210's be aware there are some electronics below the shifter which can malfunction if liquid is spilled. You might want to alert your kid.
Last edited by RichardM98; Oct 4, 2010 at 10:19 AM.
