I've had my 1998 SLK230 for 3 years now, (123k km when bought) and I've loved the driving experience and solving problems along the way.
Recently a problem developed with my indicators over a period of a few weeks. First, when indicating “right” the flash rate started playing up, sometimes extra fast, then extra slow, then eventually no flash at all.
I followed the trouble-shooting threads on this forum and eliminated the globes (hazard flashers all OK) and the control module (cleaned the relay contacts - Photo 1).
![Electronic component Electronics Circuit Component Computer hardware Wire]()
I narrowed it down to the stalk itself. There are many threads on removing the stalk to replace it, but I couldn’t find one on how to dismantle and repair it, so here is what happened:
REMOVING THE STALK AND SWITCH
1 Disconnect battery to discharge airbag function - lots of posts on these first few steps.
2 Unplug connectors from under dash (plastic panel has to be removed to gain access - it’s a pain, especially the hood/bonnet mechanism lever).
There are 4 connectors (airbag, horn, cruise control and multi-function) all clipped into a small plastic frame and the loom sections are cable-tied. Photo 2.
![Technology Electrical cable Electronic component Wire Circuit Component]()
3 Use a long T30 Torx tool to undo 2 x screws from back of the steering wheel - note screws are “captive” and can’t be fully removed.
4 Disconnect 2 x horn connectors and centre airbag connector. Put AB aside somewhere safe.
5 Remove steering wheel using a 10mm hex key - breaker bar required, 2 person job - 1 to hold the steering wheel.
6 Remove “clock spring” (steering position sensor) which is a black plastic can, I taped mine together to prevent it coming apart and placed it on top of the dash. Photo 3.
![Machine Vehicle brake Engine Wire Electrical cable]()
7 Remove the stalk from steering column - held with 3 x Philips screws (also holds cruise control stalk). Photo 4. Feed disconnected cables up through steering column.
![Carbon fibers]()
DISMANTLING THE STALK SWITCH
8 Drill out small brass rivets.
9 Carefully separate the 2 halves (plastic and die cast). Inside there are 2 small brass “rockers” - Photos 5 and 6. One connects the centre “power” terminal to either L or R side indicator, and another that connects power to Hi or Lo beam and headlight flash.
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![Household hardware Brass]()
10 The terminals on mine were all corroded and pitted - easily cleaned with emery paper then washed with terminal cleaner spray. Photo 7.
![Machine Silver]()
11 I lubricated the moving/sliding parts with silicon grease. Re-assemble the stalk, using small self-tapping screws instead of rivets, from the plastic side into the die cast metal. Photo 8.
![Screw Fastener Household hardware Brass Nut]()
Reverse the procedure to re-assemble the lot.
EUREKA - both indicators and hi/lo beam work fine - even the headlight flasher works, first time since I’ve owned the car!
Recently a problem developed with my indicators over a period of a few weeks. First, when indicating “right” the flash rate started playing up, sometimes extra fast, then extra slow, then eventually no flash at all.
I followed the trouble-shooting threads on this forum and eliminated the globes (hazard flashers all OK) and the control module (cleaned the relay contacts - Photo 1).
I narrowed it down to the stalk itself. There are many threads on removing the stalk to replace it, but I couldn’t find one on how to dismantle and repair it, so here is what happened:
REMOVING THE STALK AND SWITCH
1 Disconnect battery to discharge airbag function - lots of posts on these first few steps.
2 Unplug connectors from under dash (plastic panel has to be removed to gain access - it’s a pain, especially the hood/bonnet mechanism lever).
There are 4 connectors (airbag, horn, cruise control and multi-function) all clipped into a small plastic frame and the loom sections are cable-tied. Photo 2.
3 Use a long T30 Torx tool to undo 2 x screws from back of the steering wheel - note screws are “captive” and can’t be fully removed.
4 Disconnect 2 x horn connectors and centre airbag connector. Put AB aside somewhere safe.
5 Remove steering wheel using a 10mm hex key - breaker bar required, 2 person job - 1 to hold the steering wheel.
6 Remove “clock spring” (steering position sensor) which is a black plastic can, I taped mine together to prevent it coming apart and placed it on top of the dash. Photo 3.
7 Remove the stalk from steering column - held with 3 x Philips screws (also holds cruise control stalk). Photo 4. Feed disconnected cables up through steering column.
DISMANTLING THE STALK SWITCH
8 Drill out small brass rivets.
9 Carefully separate the 2 halves (plastic and die cast). Inside there are 2 small brass “rockers” - Photos 5 and 6. One connects the centre “power” terminal to either L or R side indicator, and another that connects power to Hi or Lo beam and headlight flash.
10 The terminals on mine were all corroded and pitted - easily cleaned with emery paper then washed with terminal cleaner spray. Photo 7.
11 I lubricated the moving/sliding parts with silicon grease. Re-assemble the stalk, using small self-tapping screws instead of rivets, from the plastic side into the die cast metal. Photo 8.
Reverse the procedure to re-assemble the lot.
EUREKA - both indicators and hi/lo beam work fine - even the headlight flasher works, first time since I’ve owned the car!
