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ML 320 Window switch not working
I am handy with a screw driver etc. Is it something that I can replace easily.
Are there any instructions available as to how the replacement is done.
Switches are available for $130 from auto warehouse, but the dealer is cahrging 800$ for parts and labor
I am handy with a screw driver etc. Is it something that I can replace easily.
Are there any instructions available as to how the replacement is done.
Switches are available for $130 from auto warehouse, but the dealer is cahrging 800$ for parts and labor

There is nothin wrong with u re window or motor...
is simple the rocking part made my cooper that in long run will slip away from the switch...so u could open up and adjust it the rock and the switch toggle
Is not that hard accept for the Gear knob to....u twist the bottom part n pull it out the knob...good luck..
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Also I m using BOSCH at the moment and I heard some other using NGK...
Is it better for long run or should I keep it with BOSCH...
As far for disc brake I m gonna stick with original Brembo power slot....
Thank you for the information and suggestion....
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Also I m using BOSCH at the moment and I heard some other using NGK...
Is it better for long run or should I keep it with BOSCH...
As far for disc brake I m gonna stick with original Brembo power slot....
Thank you for the information and suggestion....
Also I m using BOSCH at the moment and I heard some other using NGK...
Is it better for long run or should I keep it with BOSCH...
As far for disc brake I m gonna stick with original Brembo power slot....
Thank you for the information and suggestion....
As for the switch problem, this is a common issue in 98-01, like most other issues... it was corrected for the 2002 update
http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html
and repaired my passenger front window for my 1999 ML320.
Upon reassembling, everything worked - except the defrost (to the right of the central lock). With the defrost keycap ("plastic cover") off off the rocker travels and the switch works fine - the LED goes on and off.
However, with the keycap on, there's absolutely NO travel on the rocker.
Upon close examination, this keycap/cover sits flush against the base when properly seated (clicked into position). Even w/o the rocker installed, it's sits completely flush. I can't figure out how it ever created any forward or backward pressure on the rocker.
The switch and rocker look physically quite symmetric with the central lock, which has modest travel of about 1/8" perhaps - enough to trigger the locking mechanism.
Can someone with another ML320 of this vintage tell me if this is how their defrost switch looks/works? Is the 'travel' on the defrost rocker the same or nil compared to the central lock?
I've tried all four combinations of the rocker from the central lock and the defroster (reversing it, etc) on the possibly I mixed them up when reinstalling - it is possible. The single tension pin (there is only one, right?) is in place as well.
Now that I'm comfortable opening and closing this panel, springing for a new whole keypad for $125 or so seems ok - but I'd like to solve this mystery.
thanks - MLHB
I called Auto Parts Warehouse and the person i spoke to had very bad english. I couldnt understand them and had to hang up. (they must outsource their call center, frankly i dont think he understood me, he just kept asking me "can i take your order")
Anyway it took me about 45 minutes for the whole job. no to bad. Saved me alot of cash

These links might be helpfull to some people:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...9192632AAkr9N1
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forum.aspx/...999-ML320-HELP
http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html
and repaired my passenger front window for my 1999 ML320.
Upon reassembling, everything worked - except the defrost (to the right of the central lock). With the defrost keycap ("plastic cover") off off the rocker travels and the switch works fine - the LED goes on and off.
However, with the keycap on, there's absolutely NO travel on the rocker.
Upon close examination, this keycap/cover sits flush against the base when properly seated (clicked into position). Even w/o the rocker installed, it's sits completely flush. I can't figure out how it ever created any forward or backward pressure on the rocker.
The switch and rocker look physically quite symmetric with the central lock, which has modest travel of about 1/8" perhaps - enough to trigger the locking mechanism.
Can someone with another ML320 of this vintage tell me if this is how their defrost switch looks/works? Is the 'travel' on the defrost rocker the same or nil compared to the central lock?
I've tried all four combinations of the rocker from the central lock and the defroster (reversing it, etc) on the possibly I mixed them up when reinstalling - it is possible. The single tension pin (there is only one, right?) is in place as well.
Now that I'm comfortable opening and closing this panel, springing for a new whole keypad for $125 or so seems ok - but I'd like to solve this mystery.
thanks - MLHB
Had the same problem and found that I had not completely compressed the square switch enclosure plate with the 8 snaps (2 on each side). The 2 snaps closest to the defroster switch and all window lock were not completly latched. Because those 2 switches are surrounded by raised plastic of the entire switch covering, unlike all the other switches the area around the switches was to high to allow the cover to move or rock.
When I took a pliers and gently squeezed the back and front plate together by the snaps near these 2 switches, I heard 2 clicks finally completly closing the 2 halfs. The extra 1/16 of an inch compression now allowed proper rocking motion for both switches as normal.
I used the same instructions that you did and and although very well done and detailed this precaution should be encluded as I am sure others have had this problem.
I also noticed that there was a reference that the front white wire connector had no retaining latch which in fact it did at least on mine. Also explaining that the switch covers have little circular ears by the pivot that need to be gently lifted over the pivot swival pin might be helpful rather than simply prying off if you don't look closely.
The article was otherwise very detailed obviously with a lot of work and passion, it just seemed odd that the above info was left out or so generalized, when everything else was done so well...
Don't get me wrong I am not complaining as articles like this are certainly lifes savers not to mention money savers. Without the time, effort and information especially pictures these selfless contributers provide, we all would be at the mercey of the opportunistic dealerships.
Just wanted to add a few things to make a great article a little better and share my experiences.
Hope this helps...
I am handy with a screw driver etc. Is it something that I can replace easily.
Are there any instructions available as to how the replacement is done.
Switches are available for $130 from auto warehouse, but the dealer is cahrging 800$ for parts and labor

It has happened to me twice. First time, I paid a repair place to do it but I bought the part. Cost me about $130. Not bad. 2nd time, I came on here and found an excellent link explaining how to do it yourself. Actually, what I found out is that there are white plastic braces that house the rocker/switch and they brake for some reason. I replaced the 2 that broke for the front windows with the ones for the back windows. Pretty easy. Of course now I can't control the back windows but for now, I'm good. There is the other rear control for them though. Not sure if you can buy those plastic parts separately but if you could, it would save a bunch of money.
Yesterday, my wife couldn't get the drivers side window to go up. Inquiries and troubleshooting lead me to believe the window switch assembly went bad. With this forum and a link to Rodney's page on the topic, I fixed the switch assembly today and likely saved $400 (the dealer gets $192 for the part alone).
Thank you for the forum and thank you very much Rodney!
Here is his article with instructions and pictures I followed:
http://www.grill.org/rodney/mclass/mlswitch/index.html
Rob
2001 ML430


You can find detailed big photos of the repair operation here:
http://www.whatsinside.info/mercedes...ndow-switches/
W163 98-02 Front windows button rockers removed
Last edited by bassfreak; Aug 17, 2014 at 01:16 PM. Reason: added attachment





