Combination Switch

Replace the combination switch (turn signal/wiper stalk assembly) on the steering column of a 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, requiring removal of steering column covers and electrical disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Combination switch assembly × 1 — A2215450410 or equivalent OEM
• Steering column cover clips (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to position 0 and remove key from ignition
3. Turn steering wheel to center position and allow to lock
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal first, then positive terminal to prevent airbag deployment during service
5. Wait minimum 15 minutes for airbag system capacitors to fully discharge
6. Ensure driver seat is moved fully rearward for working access
7. Document any existing fault codes with diagnostic scanner before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove lower steering column cover
   Locate the lower steering column cover beneath the steering wheel. Remove three T25 Torx screws securing the lower cover (one on each side, one at bottom center). Carefully pull the lower cover downward and away from the column, disconnecting any trim clips. The cover may require gentle twisting to clear the ignition lock cylinder.
2. 2

   Remove upper steering column cover
   With lower cover removed, locate the upper cover retaining screws. Remove two T25 Torx screws at the top of the upper cover assembly. Gently lift the upper cover upward, being careful not to damage the soft-touch coating. Disconnect the hood release cable if equipped by pressing the retaining clip and sliding cable out of bracket.
3. 3

   Disconnect combination switch electrical connectors
   Locate the two large electrical connectors on the left side of the combination switch assembly (driver's side). Press the locking tabs on each connector and carefully pull straight back to disconnect. The connectors are labeled with different colors (typically gray and black). On vehicles with lane keeping assist, there will be a third smaller connector on the right side of the switch assembly - disconnect this as well by pressing the red locking tab.
   ⚠Do not pull on wires - only pull on connector bodies to prevent damage to wiring harness.
4. 4

   Remove combination switch mounting bolts
   Locate the two T30 Torx mounting bolts securing the combination switch to the steering column. These are positioned on the underside of the switch assembly, one on each side of the column. Remove both bolts completely and retain them if reusing. Note the position and any shims present under the switch assembly.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove combination switch assembly
   With mounting bolts removed, carefully slide the combination switch assembly forward off the steering column shaft. The switch will separate into left and right halves as it comes off the column. Keep the two halves together and note their orientation. Check the steering column for any remaining clips or retainers that may have stayed on the column splines.
6. 6

   Inspect steering column and connectors
   With combination switch removed, inspect the steering column splines for wear or damage. Examine the electrical connectors and pins for corrosion, bent pins, or damage. Clean connectors with electrical contact cleaner if needed. Verify the canceling cam and spring on the steering column shaft are intact and properly seated.
7. 7

   Prepare new combination switch
   Remove new combination switch from packaging and verify part number matches vehicle specification. Ensure the switch is in the neutral position (turn signal stalk centered, wiper stalk in OFF position). If switch came with protective caps on connectors, remove them. Compare new switch with old switch to verify correct configuration for your vehicle's equipment level.
8. 8

   Install new combination switch assembly
   Position the new combination switch assembly around the steering column shaft, aligning the left and right halves. Slide the assembly rearward onto the column, ensuring the splines engage properly with the canceling mechanism. The switch should seat flush against the column mounting surface. Verify proper alignment before installing mounting bolts.
   ⚠Do not force the switch onto the column. If resistance is felt, remove and check for proper spline alignment.
9. 9

   Install combination switch mounting bolts
   Install the two T30 Torx mounting bolts through the switch assembly into the steering column. Hand-tighten both bolts first to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque both bolts evenly to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the switch housing or column mounting points.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect the electrical connectors to the combination switch in reverse order of removal. The gray connector typically handles turn signals and hazards, while the black connector handles wipers and cruise control functions. Push each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. For vehicles with lane keeping assist, reconnect the third connector on the right side. Verify all connections are secure by gently pulling on connector bodies.
11. 11

    Reinstall steering column covers
    Position the upper steering column cover over the column, ensuring the hood release cable (if equipped) is properly routed and connected to its bracket. Install the two T25 Torx screws for the upper cover and tighten to specification. Position the lower cover beneath the column, engaging all trim clips, and install the three T25 Torx screws. Verify covers fit flush with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and perform system initialization
    Reconnect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative terminal. Torque battery terminal bolts to specification - do not overtighten as Mercedes-Benz terminals are sensitive to over-torquing. Turn ignition to position 2 without starting engine. Allow all systems to initialize for at least 30 seconds. The instrument cluster may display various warning messages during initialization - this is normal.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Perform steering angle sensor calibration
    Connect Mercedes-Benz Star Diagnostic tool or equivalent professional-grade scanner. Navigate to steering angle sensor calibration function. With steering wheel centered and front wheels pointing straight ahead, perform the calibration procedure per scanner prompts. This is critical for ESP, ABS, and lane keeping systems to function properly. Clear any fault codes generated during switch replacement.
    ⚠Failure to calibrate steering angle sensor will result in ESP/ABS warning lights and reduced system functionality.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Ensure steering column covers are properly aligned with no gaps or misalignment
3. Confirm all trim clips are engaged and no rattles are present when moving steering wheel
4. Verify battery terminals are torqued correctly to prevent electrical issues

Verification

• Turn ignition to position 2 and verify no warning lights remain illuminated on instrument cluster related to steering column components
• Test all combination switch functions: left/right turn signals, high beam flash, high beam steady, windshield wipers (all speeds), windshield washer, rear wiper (if equipped)
• Verify turn signal auto-canceling functions properly after completing a turn in both directions
• Test cruise control functions if equipped (on/off, set, resume, coast, accel) through combination switch
• Verify lane keeping assist functions if equipped
• Road test vehicle and confirm ESP/ABS warning lights do not illuminate and systems function normally
• Use diagnostic scanner to verify no fault codes are present in steering column control module, airbag system, or ESP system
• Confirm steering wheel returns to center properly and steering angle sensor reading is 0 degrees when centered

More procedures for this vehicle