Author Topic: Mystery Wire at Steering Column Switch  (Read 1120 times)

jKrashnburn

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Mystery Wire at Steering Column Switch
« on: August 11, 2024, 19:14:42 »
As I prepare to reinstall my steering column switch after refurbishing, I'm faced with short (6") black wire with a loose end within the steering column.
What is this for and what is it supposed to be connected to?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

John

John
1957 190SL 8500074 (RIP?)
1968 280SL 11304410006390 (RIP?)
1969 280SL 113044120011428 - Light Beige/Cognac

BobH

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Re: Mystery Wire at Steering Column Switch
« Reply #1 on: August 11, 2024, 21:12:56 »
Hello John, if this is the black/yellow/pink wire, it's the ground switch wire and goes to and comes from the horn switch on the steering wheel

Sorry, should have looked at your picture, this should be a black/yellow/pink wire to the horn switch, looks like it may have been replaced in the past with a black wire, best to check the other end at the horn switch in case someone has modified it

Where is the brown wire in the steering column going off to?  That should be the ground wire to the other side of the horn switch, and, as far as i know, should also be connected to the ground (brown) connection in the column switch, perhaps someone has connected this to another ground for some reason?
« Last Edit: August 12, 2024, 07:39:18 by BobH »
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather

jKrashnburn

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Re: Mystery Wire at Steering Column Switch
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2024, 17:19:03 »
Hello Bob…many thanks for responding.

I have a Nardi steering wheel, which could account for the nonstandard wire.
The horn was working before removal of the switch device but it is not working now. So I surmise that is because I dislodged the wire in question when I removed the switch. This surprises me because, according to your comments, both ends of the wire are connected at the steering wheel and I’ve never accessed that part.
In any case, I understand I need to open up the horn at the steering wheel, then fish the loose wire up to connect it at the steering wheel.
Worth a try but new territory for me!

……..your postings are always appreciated!

John
John
1957 190SL 8500074 (RIP?)
1968 280SL 11304410006390 (RIP?)
1969 280SL 113044120011428 - Light Beige/Cognac

BobH

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Re: Mystery Wire at Steering Column Switch
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2024, 17:44:35 »
Sorry John, my answer may have been a tad misleading

In theory, the brown ground wire (assuming it's connected to ground somewhere?) should be connected to one side of the horn button, and the black is the switch wire. If you test the black wire with an ohmmeter, one end on ground and one on the black wire, you should read 0 ohms when the horn is pressed.  If you do, then just need to connect black to the black/yellow/pink wire on the column switch, which just acts as a connection through to the horns.  You may not have to remove the wheel if it works
February 1965 230SL Automatic
UK delivered RHD
Papyrus white, blue hard top & hub caps
Blue soft top
Blue leather

jKrashnburn

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Re: Mystery Wire at Steering Column Switch
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2024, 03:40:23 »
Thanks for your insights on this Bob.
Eventually I came across the 2nd (brown) wire. Had to add circle connectors to both wires but it is now up and running.

John
John
1957 190SL 8500074 (RIP?)
1968 280SL 11304410006390 (RIP?)
1969 280SL 113044120011428 - Light Beige/Cognac