DIY - Changing Side Mirror Turn Signal lights??
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
2000 Mercedes CL500
DIY - Changing Side Mirror Turn Signal lights??
I have a 2000 CL 500 and recently purchased some "upgraded" side-mirror turn signals & want to perform the DIY myself, could somebody help me out with this?
Thanks
Thanks
Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 174
Likes: 5
From: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
1992 Mercedes 400E
Yes, I just recently finished this project on my W124 1992 400E, and even took the time to document the steps with my digital camera. What are the pictures worth to you? : )
Seriously, it was a LOT of work. The actual hookup is easy - find the correct turn signal wires near the steering wheel column and splice'em in. Sounds simple, right? In reality you have to figure out how to route the wires through your mirrors, then inside your doors, through the rubber thingy that protects all your wires from the doors to the car, underneath the glovebox and steering wheel bolsters, and finally make the electrical connection. That means you need to figure out how to 1) remove both mirrors 2) take off the door panels without breaking anything 3) remove both bolsters and kick panels 4) have a wiring diagram to splice in the wires.
I suggest that you buy the M-B CD for your car that shows you how to do all of the above. It should also have wiring diagrams. A few hints:
1) Go slowly on removing trim. Mercedes trim takes great force to remove, even when done correctly (MUCH more force when removed incorrectly : ) ). Remember, parts for our cars are NOT cheap.
2) Get about 20 feet of "1/4" spiral loom" to protect your wires. It's available at NAPA Auto Parts but it's REALLY expensive there. Shop around. The loom a) protects the wires b) makes the wires stand out underneath the dash 3) looks more professional d) gives the wires some stiffness for fishing it through the door to inside the car
3) Don't use the crimp connectors ("scotchlocks"). Best to solder and use heat shrink tubing. Cars vibrate a lot!
4) Give the internal joints of the mirrors some lubrication while you got'em out.
5) Don't forget to solder in the in-line fuse links before you splice in!
6) Test the lights BEFORE starting - and at regular intervals during the installation!
7) To help pull the wires through the rubber thingys between the doors & the car, remove the ends of the rubber thingy & put it back on later after the fishing is successful.
8) Use contact cleaner on the power mirror connectors.
Hope that helps! Good luck!
Eric
Seriously, it was a LOT of work. The actual hookup is easy - find the correct turn signal wires near the steering wheel column and splice'em in. Sounds simple, right? In reality you have to figure out how to route the wires through your mirrors, then inside your doors, through the rubber thingy that protects all your wires from the doors to the car, underneath the glovebox and steering wheel bolsters, and finally make the electrical connection. That means you need to figure out how to 1) remove both mirrors 2) take off the door panels without breaking anything 3) remove both bolsters and kick panels 4) have a wiring diagram to splice in the wires.
I suggest that you buy the M-B CD for your car that shows you how to do all of the above. It should also have wiring diagrams. A few hints:
1) Go slowly on removing trim. Mercedes trim takes great force to remove, even when done correctly (MUCH more force when removed incorrectly : ) ). Remember, parts for our cars are NOT cheap.
2) Get about 20 feet of "1/4" spiral loom" to protect your wires. It's available at NAPA Auto Parts but it's REALLY expensive there. Shop around. The loom a) protects the wires b) makes the wires stand out underneath the dash 3) looks more professional d) gives the wires some stiffness for fishing it through the door to inside the car
3) Don't use the crimp connectors ("scotchlocks"). Best to solder and use heat shrink tubing. Cars vibrate a lot!
4) Give the internal joints of the mirrors some lubrication while you got'em out.
5) Don't forget to solder in the in-line fuse links before you splice in!
6) Test the lights BEFORE starting - and at regular intervals during the installation!
7) To help pull the wires through the rubber thingys between the doors & the car, remove the ends of the rubber thingy & put it back on later after the fishing is successful.
8) Use contact cleaner on the power mirror connectors.
Hope that helps! Good luck!
Eric
