Combination Switch

This procedure covers removal and installation of the steering column combination switch (turn signal/wiper/cruise control stalk assembly) on a 2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class with 4.0L Turbo V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Combination switch assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake.
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle.
3. Center steering wheel in straight-ahead position.
4. Disconnect battery negative terminal using 10mm socket.
5. Wait 15 minutes minimum for airbag system capacitor discharge.
6. Set driver's seat to rearmost position for access.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate the lower steering column cover below the steering wheel. Remove the Torx screws securing the lower cover (typically 2-3 screws depending on configuration). Gently pull the lower cover downward and away from the column to disengage any retaining clips. Set cover aside.
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   With the lower cover removed, locate the Torx screws securing the upper steering column cover (typically 2 screws at the bottom edge). Remove these screws. Carefully separate the upper cover from the column by lifting upward and pulling toward the rear of the vehicle to clear the combination switch stalks. Set cover aside.
3. 3

   Access combination switch mounting
   With both column covers removed, inspect the steering column for the combination switch mounting hardware. The switch assembly is typically secured to the left side of the steering column with 2 Torx screws. Identify the electrical connector(s) leading to the switch assembly on the column.
4. 4

   Disconnect combination switch electrical connector
   Locate the main electrical connector for the combination switch assembly. Press the locking tab on the connector and carefully pull the connector straight away from the switch housing. If multiple connectors are present (some configurations have separate connectors for turn signal and wiper/cruise functions), disconnect all connectors. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove combination switch mounting screws
   Using the appropriate Torx driver (typically T20 or T25), remove the 2 screws securing the combination switch assembly to the steering column bracket. Support the switch assembly as you remove the final screw to prevent it from falling.
6. 6

   Remove combination switch assembly
   With the mounting screws removed and electrical connectors disconnected, carefully slide the combination switch assembly away from the steering column. The switch may have alignment pins or tabs that require slight rotation or angling to clear the column housing. Remove the assembly completely and set aside.
7. 7

   Inspect steering column and clock spring
   With the switch removed, inspect the steering column clock spring (spiral cable) behind the switch location. Verify the clock spring is centered and the locking pin (if present) is engaged. Inspect the column for any damage or wear. Check the electrical connector pins for corrosion or damage.
8. 8

   Install new combination switch assembly
   Position the new combination switch assembly to the steering column, aligning any locating pins or tabs with their corresponding holes in the column bracket. Ensure the switch stalks are oriented correctly per the original assembly and Mercedes W463 II configuration (verify stalk positions against the removed unit before installation). Slide the assembly fully into position against the column.
9. 9

   Install combination switch mounting screws
   Install the 2 Torx mounting screws finger-tight, ensuring the switch assembly is properly seated against the column bracket. Tighten the screws evenly to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify exact spec in Mercedes WIS documentation for the W463 II combination switch). Do not overtighten as the mounting is typically into a plastic/bracket housing. Verify the switch assembly has no lateral movement after tightening.
10. 10

    Reconnect combination switch electrical connector
    Route the wiring harness as noted during removal. Connect the electrical connector(s) to the combination switch, ensuring each connector is fully seated and the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify proper engagement.
11. 11

    Reinstall upper steering column cover
    Position the upper steering column cover over the column, carefully guiding it over the combination switch stalks. Ensure the cover is fully seated against the column and all alignment tabs are engaged. Install the Torx screws at the bottom edge of the upper cover and tighten securely.
12. 12

    Reinstall lower steering column cover
    Position the lower steering column cover beneath the steering column, aligning any locating tabs with their corresponding slots. Press the cover upward until all retaining clips engage. Install the Torx screws to secure the lower cover and tighten securely.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and initialize systems
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket. Tighten to manufacturer specification. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Allow the vehicle systems to initialize for approximately 30 seconds. Check the instrument cluster for any warning lights related to the combination switch functions.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall steering column covers in reverse order of removal, ensuring all fasteners are tightened securely.
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged.
3. Confirm steering wheel remains centered during entire procedure to maintain clock spring alignment.

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and verify no warning lights illuminate on the instrument cluster.
• Test turn signal operation in both left and right positions, confirming indicator lights function properly and switch returns to center.
• Test high beam and headlight flash functions.
• Test windshield wiper operation in all positions (intermittent, low, high) and verify washer function operates correctly.
• Test cruise control functions (set, resume, cancel) if vehicle is equipped.
• Verify combination switch stalks return to center position properly and have appropriate tactile feedback.
• Start engine and retest all combination switch functions under running conditions.

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