[W126 Coupe] Electrical / start problem

[Mister McGoo]

Hi,"....He suggests you check the ignition switch connector where the harness meets the back of the ignition key assembly.  He's seen the behavior you describe on other MB's and says it's a $20 MB dealer part but, he charges $200 with labor to do the repair....."
 
Haha.  Why?  Because if the problem is the ignition switch (the other end of the ignition/steering lock assembly to which the wiring harness plugs) the easiest way to get at it on the W126 is to remove the engine and use a torch to cut holes in the firewalls beside the steering column.  And THAT operation is a piece of cake compared to what is necessary the W124!!
 
Seriously, I question whether that is the problem.  When you turn the ignition "on" all the dash warning lights light (including the low fuel), right?  That's normal.  That's your "test" to see that all your warning lights work.  When you further engage the starter the warning lights will go out when the engine starts.  That's normal.
 
Question: Do your wipers come "on" when you turn the key to ignition position, and do they also keep running independently of the wiper switch when the engine is running?  What happens when you actually turn the wipers "on"?  (I have lost your original message, I suspect the wipers still run).  What happens when you switch the wipers to intermittent?  What happens when you switch to fast speed?   
 
Power is provided to the wiper switch (& relay) through the ignition switch and the wipers will only work when the ignition is "on".  The problem is likely with the wiper switch itself, not the ignition switch.  Sounds like your ignition switch performs perfectly normally and your wiper switch is locked (broken) "on".
 
By coincidence actually, we were just talking about how to remove the turn signal/wiper assembly.  Except in your case you have airbags.  Unfortunately, the easiest way to remove the wiper stalk assembly in YOUR car is to remove the engine and cut the steering shaft off at the steering box ....  I'M JUST KIDDING!!!  but DO ask someone about dealing with the airbag equipped steering wheel... I have had no experience.  And DON'T try anything about removing that steering wheel without fully understanding the procedure!
 
-Bellamy
 
 




 
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