Help: Removing center shifter/console trim panel
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
99 E300 TD, F350&ExcurDiesels
Help: Removing center shifter/console trim panel
Request tips/steps required to safely remove center console shifter wood trim panel to troubleshoot power window switches in W126/300SD.
Thanks DRG
Thanks DRG
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
99 E300 TD, F350&ExcurDiesels
Answering my question...
For the sake of future W126 owners searching this forum...
...Adding some detail to a brief 300SDL post I found on mercedeshop.com
1) remove the ash tray assy (gently pull it out of the console (below radio, towards shifter))
2) remove the coin/junk tray forward of shifter gently pop it upward
3) gently slide wod trim panel with window switch assys forward (toward front of auto)
4) driv and pax side switch assys can be gently popped out (upward) of/from trim panel after you disconnect the harnesses
5) window rocker switches can then be replaced or repaired.
6) to inspect/clean rocker switch contacts
a) gently pry the sides of switch adjacent to rocker switch pivot point and remove switch "cap", be careful to retain two spring points in the switch cap bottom.
b) use some tweezers to remove pair of rocker contacts below and clean any carbon/corrosion evident on contact points
c) reassemble switch
d) testing: plug switches into wiring harness and check windows for function (note - you can use working driv/pax side switches on pax/driv harnesses to check if problem in in switch or between console and door or window motor, also note contact pins in stitch and harness are different for front and rear)
7) reassemble trim panel with switches and plug in wiring harnesses, reverse the above removal steps.
Enjoy your restored 300SD/3000SDL window operation
...Adding some detail to a brief 300SDL post I found on mercedeshop.com
1) remove the ash tray assy (gently pull it out of the console (below radio, towards shifter))
2) remove the coin/junk tray forward of shifter gently pop it upward
3) gently slide wod trim panel with window switch assys forward (toward front of auto)
4) driv and pax side switch assys can be gently popped out (upward) of/from trim panel after you disconnect the harnesses
5) window rocker switches can then be replaced or repaired.
6) to inspect/clean rocker switch contacts
a) gently pry the sides of switch adjacent to rocker switch pivot point and remove switch "cap", be careful to retain two spring points in the switch cap bottom.
b) use some tweezers to remove pair of rocker contacts below and clean any carbon/corrosion evident on contact points
c) reassemble switch
d) testing: plug switches into wiring harness and check windows for function (note - you can use working driv/pax side switches on pax/driv harnesses to check if problem in in switch or between console and door or window motor, also note contact pins in stitch and harness are different for front and rear)
7) reassemble trim panel with switches and plug in wiring harnesses, reverse the above removal steps.
Enjoy your restored 300SD/3000SDL window operation
