230SL Removing turn signal stalk

[rwmastel]

Hello Group,

I need to take out my turn signal stalk multi-switch assembly.  In the tech manual, there's an MB service manual page that shows how simple it is!  Just remove two screws and pull out the assembly.  Maybe I'm too risk adverse to pull hard enough?  Also, it appears there are two wires that lead up to the horn or something which would prevent it anyway.  Below is a video of mine.  Do I need to take the steering wheel and horn contacts off the steering column?  I've read some people have done it, but others seem to get the job done without that work.  Thanks.

https://youtube.com/shorts/RyEuApZHHkg?si=9xjDi2D9PMruBVQF

[dirkbalter]

You need to disconnect the horn contact wires and take the main (brown) connector off to pass the wires though the column.

[rwmastel]

Thanks Dirk!  I'll get on it.

[rwmastel]

If I understand the old posts that I've read, first I need to pry off this bright metal (aluminum?) ring off the end of the column.  Then screws will be accessible which allow me to take apart the horn contacts and remove the wires going to the signal stalk multi-switch.  Correct??  How do I get this ring off?  I guess it is just on with friction, but it seems to be a LOT of friction!   

[BobH]

No need to touch the steering wheel or horn ring, disconnect the 12 way connector, pull the switch out of the column slightly, just enough to disconnect the horn wires at the switch, the horn wires stay connected to the horn ring when you remove the switch

[rwmastel]

... disconnect the 12 way connector ...

Which is where, in the column?
Are you sure you're thinking 230SL, not 280SL?  I believe they are a bit different in the inner column shape and the connector.

[BobH]

Under the dash, there are two connectors next to each other.  One serves the instrument cluster, the other is for the column switch, all  cars have them.

You can try and pull the male connector up through the column, but Sead recently posted that the 230's can't be pulled through the column, assume they're a different size somehow to later cars, and so the cables and pins will need to be pulled out of the connector before the loom can be pulled up through the column.  You may want to take some pictures of the wire colours in the connector before you pull the wires out, but there are pictures and details of the colours in the tech manual, so you'll be ok when you come to put it all back in.  Don't forget to do all of this with the battery disconnected

[Sead]

Which is where, in the column?
Are you sure you're thinking 230SL, not 280SL?  I believe they are a bit different in the inner column shape and the connector.

12pin connector is under dash foot panel.
yes early and late are different. early big, late small (fits through steering column)

[Sead]

Under the dash, there are two connectors next to each other.  One serves the instrument cluster, the other is for the column switch, all  cars have them.

You can try and pull the male connector up through the column, but Sead recently posted that the 230's can't be pulled through the column, assume they're a different size somehow to later cars, and so the cables and pins will need to be pulled out of the connector before the loom can be pulled up through the column.  You may want to take some pictures of the wire colours in the connector before you pull the wires out, but there are pictures and details of the colours in the tech manual, so you'll be ok when you come to put it all back in.  Don't forget to do all of this with the battery disconnected

correct. 12 pin connector on 230 mus be taken apart. loose wires then fit up through steering column. Disconnect battery. dont worry about positioning of them later. I will send you instructions.
On early switches horn wires must be unscrewd ON horn ring, NOT on switch like on late indicator stalks from 250&280SL.
See attached photo. Just pull up the ring.

[rwmastel]

Thanks everyone!! 

Hopefully removing wires from the connector is not a soldering job.  I've not done that before.

I'll get to it tonight ....
- after work
- after dinner
- after walking the dogs
- after mowing the lawn

Forecast for 7pm today:
87F degrees
55% humidity
7% cloud cover
3mph wind
92F "feels like" degrees

[Sead]

Thanks everyone!! 

Hopefully removing wires from the connector is not a soldering job.  I've not done that before.

I'll get to it tonight ....
- after work
- after dinner
- after walking the dogs
- after mowing the lawn

Forecast for 7pm today:
87F degrees
55% humidity
7% cloud cover
3mph wind
92F "feels like" degrees

no soldering , its just 3 DIN84 m3x10 screws

[rwmastel]

I've removed the horn ring (no tools, just pull) and removed the wires from it.

I removed the large 12 pin connector (closest to the silver relay).  This was difficult.  The bracket on which these connectors and the relay are mounted is only fixed to the dash on one end, so it's flimsy and moves up/down easily.  That makes pulling down on the connectors difficult.  You have to wiggle and pry them off.

I removed the 3 little screws to expose the wiring connections inside.  Are you telling me I need to destroy this beautiful, factory original string wiring loom and take all the wires out?

Pics attached.

[Sead]

I've removed the horn ring (no tools, just pull) and removed the wires from it.

I removed the large 12 pin connector (closest to the silver relay).  This was difficult.  The bracket on which these connectors and the relay are mounted is only fixed to the dash on one end, so it's flimsy and moves up/down easily.  That makes pulling down on the connectors difficult.  You have to wiggle and pry them off.

I removed the 3 little screws to expose the wiring connections inside.  Are you telling me I need to destroy this beautiful, factory original string wiring loom and take all the wires out?

Pics attached.

you want destroy anything  just push them out. normal procedure on 230

[rwmastel]

I've never taken apart a connector of this style. Do I simply push all the posts from the back?  All the wires will stay connected to the posts, and stay tied together by the tiny cotton string?

[Sead]

I've never taken apart a connector of this style. Do I simply push all the posts from the back?  All the wires will stay connected to the posts, and stay tied together by the tiny cotton string?

correct push dem all from the back. dont care about cotton string

[rwmastel]

Walter,

I've always appreciated how well you share your experience with the forum, but this post confuses on several points.

Unplug the 12 prong connector that snakes its way inside the column with a rubber gasket.

With what rubber gasket?  I don't understand this sentence.  A gasket moves (snakes) with the connector?

Remove the two fastening screws and pull the signal assembly away from the column.

The wires leading to the horn ring prevent this.  Had to lift the horn ring and disconnect wires.

Snake the plug wire end up through the opening that the gasket made.

The gasket made an opening??  Gaskets don't make things, they're not alive.  Do you mean to say I need to remove a gasket to expose an opening?  And that will help in moving the harness through the column?

You will have to twist the plug wire to allow the prongs tp fit in the narrow space. Pull the wire all the way out.

So, you're saying the connector doesn't need to be removed from the wire harness?  Just position it properly to pull through the column, right?

[Sead]

This is getting complicated.

NOTE that 230SL switches and LATE 250/280 switches ARE DIFFERENT!!! As well as whole stering column!!!
Therefore removal is different. Dont get confused by other post(s) which arre reffering to late switches.
Follow instructions i gave you.

[Jordan]

Rodd, when you have completed your installation (I assume you are installing a new one from Sead?), perhaps you can provide a detailed methodology as to what you did, and what not to do, so the rest of us with 230SL's can hopefully do the same without the headaches you experienced or are perhaps experiencing.  Whew, did that all in one sentence.

[rwmastel]

Whew, did that all in one sentence.

And, grammatically correct!  Yes, that was my plan.  I want to supplement what's in the Tech Manual.

[rwmastel]

I haven't noticed that hole.  I'll check it.

[Sead]

Im sorry guys, but PLS do stop bringing confusion in this. Rodds car is NOT a 250/280! So the steering column shown in previous post is NOR relevant !!

[LindesayOne]

Bravo Saed!
......now, if there had been more attention paid to your August 11 post........!