Windscreen washer not working - help and advice appreciated

[PeterW113]

Hello Gentleman,

I have finally been able to test the Steering Column Switch to see where the fault with my windscreen washer lies.

Testing the switch confirms that it is at fault, but before I try and remove it completely is there a way to disassemble the Combination Electric Switch as Identified as "a" in the Technical manual?

Is there a way to repair it?

Also as you can see from the picture, someone has been playing with the wiring of the switch as follows:

Black/Green - Turn Signal Right
Black White - Turn Signal Left
Black Purple - Fuse 2 have all been linked together

Re/Blue/White - Fuse no 1 has been linked to some form of supply feed.

Does any one have an idea as to what this modification may be?

The only thing I can think of is:

1) to fix a previous problem
or
2) something to do with an immobiliser?

All help greatly appreciated.

Kin regards

Peter

 

[Larry & Norma]

Or perhaps emergency 4 way flashers, but I think immobiliser/alarm is favourite.

[PeterW113]

Thanks Larry,

I have been thinking a little more about my problem with the Windshield washer pump not working, rather than try and strip down the Combination Switch on the stork, do you think I could fix the problem by bridging Pin 1 (Windshield Washer Pump) with Pin 4 (the wiper motor). Both operate from the same action, would it work?

Kind regards

Peter

[Paul & Dolly]

Peter,

I think that a PO has maybe tried to fit 4 way hazard flashers at some time.
I have a diagram for such a fit, that I can probably post over the weekend if you want.

Regarding the Washer function, mine is also inoperative from the stalk,
 so I have fitted a small chrome momentary push button  switch (from Maplin)
under the right side of the dash.

On my attached diagram here, you link the Switched Live 8, to the Washer 11, via the Maplin Push button.
(your 280SL may have different connections to my early 250SL)

Good luck

Paul

[PeterW113]

Paul,

Many thanks for your input, your suggestion for a separate switch is a good one, but I am going to try and bridge between Pin 1 and Pin 4 first. I do not think I risk damaging anything so fingers crossed.

I do remember a post that covered stripping and comparing the Steering Column Switch with a new one but I cant find it now on the forum.

Thanks to all.

Peter

[UJJ]

Peter,

Here is a beautiful description on how to repair the switch; it is on the German website Pagodetreff:
http://www.pagodentreff.de/artikel/blinkerkombischalterreparieren.html
If you cannot understand German , click on the translate button.

I opted to replace mine instead of repairing it, because it was pretty ugly looking  and it was very easy to do.

Urban

[Paul & Dolly]

Peter,

I think this may be of interest to you...

 
Re: turn signal cancellation '64 230sl  of 27 July 2005

I do not know how to link it to this post, but if you read it, you will have an excellent insight into these column switches.

I was going to look at mine over the winter, but was too busy with new carpets and refurbished seats and belts - maybe next winter...

Hope this helps
Paul

[Peter van Es]

Here it is:

Turn Signal Cancellation.

It's time I added that to the Technical Manual with all the pictures...

[PeterW113]

Thanks, to all for your help.

My windscreen washer pump is now fully functioning.  All that was required was a strip - down and clean of the Steering Column Switch.  All the links and pictures were very helpful in making sure it all went back together properly with no "Owner fixes" required.

Peter