When "cold", turn signal and windshield wash non-operational
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
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From: Los Angeles
1999 E320 1971 280SL
When "cold", turn signal and windshield wash non-operational
Before someone pokes fun at my definition of cold, I'll admit to it, it never really gets "cold" in Los Angeles... but setting this aside...
Last two mornings when I start my 1999 E320 (116K miles) the turn signal and windshield wash simply do not work. After driving 5-10 minutes, they work just fine. While the car is warming up, the turn signals "stutter" when turned on (same for right & left).
Anyone seen this before? Maybe the relay module(s)?
Last two nights were unusually cold for Los Angeles, dipping into the 40's where we live...
TIA
Last two mornings when I start my 1999 E320 (116K miles) the turn signal and windshield wash simply do not work. After driving 5-10 minutes, they work just fine. While the car is warming up, the turn signals "stutter" when turned on (same for right & left).
Anyone seen this before? Maybe the relay module(s)?
Last two nights were unusually cold for Los Angeles, dipping into the 40's where we live...
TIA
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
1999 E320 1971 280SL
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
1999 E320 1971 280SL
Update Dec 1, 2012...
Yesterday it was raining, and cold (at least by LA standards), so I turn on the front defrost, and the turn signals work!
Turn off defrost, and turn signals, stop working. Turn defrost back on, and voila, turn signals work!
Unless someone here has a light bulb go off, this W210 is headed for my indy shop, and if he gives up, then it's off to the stealer.
Yesterday it was raining, and cold (at least by LA standards), so I turn on the front defrost, and the turn signals work!
Turn off defrost, and turn signals, stop working. Turn defrost back on, and voila, turn signals work!
Unless someone here has a light bulb go off, this W210 is headed for my indy shop, and if he gives up, then it's off to the stealer.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
1999 E320 1971 280SL
Well...
First she went to the indy I've used for years, and he tries, but gives up and tells me to take it to the stealer to diagnose the problem, then tell him what to do.
Dropped her off at the stealer in Santa Monica, CA. Couple days later the SM calls me back and tells me "just to get started, you need a new voltage regulator. The voltage reads high at 14.1 volts. That's $405 parts & labor. Then we can take another look at the turn signals. Also we notice you need a new transmission mount for $995 parts & labor..." The list went on.
I declined all.
I think this W210's days are numbered.
First she went to the indy I've used for years, and he tries, but gives up and tells me to take it to the stealer to diagnose the problem, then tell him what to do.
Dropped her off at the stealer in Santa Monica, CA. Couple days later the SM calls me back and tells me "just to get started, you need a new voltage regulator. The voltage reads high at 14.1 volts. That's $405 parts & labor. Then we can take another look at the turn signals. Also we notice you need a new transmission mount for $995 parts & labor..." The list went on.
I declined all.
I think this W210's days are numbered.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
1999 E320 1971 280SL
A quick update, hopefully this will save someone else some $$$ and time (and aspirin)
When I picked the W210 up at dealer, the paperwork indicated voltage was high at 15.8 V.
I purchased a new voltage regulator from Autohaus for $27, but when my mobile mechanic removed the alternator, we decided it was best to send it to the alt shop for a rebuild. $122 plus my supplied voltage regulator.
Rebuilt alt is back in the W210, and so far the turn signals are operating properly both cold and warmed up.
For now, it appears my W210 has some life left in her!
When I picked the W210 up at dealer, the paperwork indicated voltage was high at 15.8 V.
I purchased a new voltage regulator from Autohaus for $27, but when my mobile mechanic removed the alternator, we decided it was best to send it to the alt shop for a rebuild. $122 plus my supplied voltage regulator.
Rebuilt alt is back in the W210, and so far the turn signals are operating properly both cold and warmed up.
For now, it appears my W210 has some life left in her!
