[Chris F1]

Hello all, new member here with a question about my recently acquired '87 560 SEL. It's a really clean, unmolested 55k mile car, but the telescoping wheel doesn't seem to work. I've tried operating it per the owners manual (door open and ignition key off, door closed and key in position I or II), as well as just about every other combination of key and door position, but it just does not work.

All other electric accessories work (power seats front/rear, power headrests, power windows, power sunroof, heated seats front/rear), except the clock. I've checked the fuses; they all look fine.

Any ideas on what I should check next?

 

[Vizezeul]

Nice, you have the same year and model as I do!

When you try operating it, does that little motor that moves the steering column try running, or is it silent?

I found a thread over in the W124 forum where a member had an issue with their adjustable steering column getting stuck. The solution for him was to clean the contacts of the switch.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...7-adjustable-steering-column-lubrication.html

 

[jsebastian]

You might want to pull the cluster, find the wiring to the motor that operates the telescoping movement and apply 12 volts to the motor. Just a thought...

Good Luck,

John

 

[Chris F1]

Thanks for the info. No, I don't hear any sound from the steering column. That issue from the W124 forum might be it, as my wheel also seems to be stuck in the fully extended position....will check that out tomorrow.

 

[dadrab]

I had an 88 420SEL that had the same issue.

I'd just about forgotten about it by the time I got around to pulling all the fuses, cleaning the contacts with a Dremel and wire brush and replacing the plastic bodies fuses with ceramic ones with copper filaments.

Once I was done with the job, I just happened to remember to try the switch... Damned if it didn't work.

 

[mclare]

PM me your email and I'll send you the manuals and walk you through it.

 

[Chris F1]

Ok, I've pulled the telescoping wheel switch from the column, taken the switch apart, cleaned the contacts, but still does not work.

I do hear a "click" when pressing the switch in the "out" position, farther out from the dash, but no sound when pressing the switch in the "in" position. The wheel appears to be stuck at or near the fully extended position.

Any ideas on what to try next?

Thanks!