Is your Mercedes S55 rear sunshade stuck in the down position? Does the motor make a clicking sound when you try to operate it using the Mercedes S55 Rear Sunshade Button? You’re not alone. Many Mercedes owners experience issues with their rear sunshades. While a costly replacement might seem inevitable, there’s often a DIY fix that can save you hundreds of dollars.
Diagnosing Your Mercedes S55 Rear Sunshade Issues
Before diving into repairs, understanding the symptoms is key. A common sign of trouble is a rear sunshade that refuses to retract or extend, accompanied by a clicking noise from the motor when you press the mercedes s55 rear sunshade button. This often indicates a mechanical issue within the sunshade motor assembly itself, rather than an electrical fault with the button or wiring. The problem might stem from a stuck gear or a lack of lubrication within the motor mechanism.
DIY Repairing Your Mercedes S55 Rear Sunshade Motor
One Mercedes owner successfully repaired their E550 sunshade, experiencing similar symptoms, and the approach can be applicable to the S55 and other models with similar systems. This DIY method focuses on accessing and adjusting the sunshade motor. While Mercedes-Benz doesn’t sell the motor separately, suggesting a full assembly replacement, resourceful owners can often resolve the issue by directly addressing the motor mechanism.
Here’s a step-by-step approach based on a successful DIY repair:
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Access the Sunshade Motor: Carefully access the rear sunshade motor assembly in your Mercedes S55. This usually involves removing interior trim panels to gain access to the motor housing. Consult your vehicle’s repair manual or online resources specific to your model for detailed instructions on trim removal.
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Motor Disassembly: Once accessible, carefully disassemble the motor housing. Pay close attention to the components and their orientation as you take it apart. It’s often helpful to take pictures during disassembly to aid in reassembly.
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Identify the Gearbox Screw: Locate the screw on the gearbox housing. This screw acts as a stop for the internal metal gear.
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Adjust the Metal Gear: Inside the gearbox, you’ll find a metal gear with “flats”. The repair involves manipulating this gear in relation to the stop screw. The goal is to ensure the gear can rotate freely without being obstructed.
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Gear and Spring Adjustment: With the gearbox open, insert the metal gear and its spring. Rotate the gear until one of its “flats” clears the screw position. This adjustment is crucial and might require some trial and error to find the optimal position.
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Reassemble and Test: Carefully reassemble the motor components and housing. Before reinstalling everything in the car, test the sunshade motor. You can do this by connecting it to a spare 12V battery. Observe if the motor now runs smoothly in both directions.
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In-Vehicle Test: If the bench test is successful, reconnect the sunshade to the car’s wiring harness and test it using the mercedes s55 rear sunshade button. Ensure it operates correctly before fully reassembling the interior trim.
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Lubrication and Prevention: During reassembly, lubricate all pivot points and moving parts of the sunshade mechanism. Regular use of the sunshade can also help prevent it from seizing up again. Exercising it periodically can keep the mechanism moving freely.
Image: A typical Mercedes-Benz rear sunshade motor assembly, highlighting the gearbox and components relevant to the DIY repair process.
Parts and Alternatives
As mentioned, Mercedes-Benz typically offers only the complete sunshade assembly, which can be expensive. However, the motor itself is often manufactured by companies like Buehler Motor, Inc. In the case of the E550 repair, the motor part number was identified as 1.61.068.501.02. If you encounter further issues or need a replacement motor, investigating the manufacturer (Buehler) or searching for this part number might lead to alternative sources for just the motor, potentially saving significant costs compared to a full assembly replacement.
Conclusion: Restoring Functionality to Your Mercedes S55 Rear Sunshade Button
Repairing your Mercedes S55 rear sunshade when it’s stuck or clicking is often achievable through DIY methods. By carefully accessing and adjusting the motor mechanism, as described above, you can potentially restore its functionality without resorting to expensive full replacements. Remember to proceed cautiously, document each step, and test thoroughly before fully reassembling. This approach not only saves money but also provides a satisfying solution to a common Mercedes-Benz issue, ensuring your mercedes s55 rear sunshade button operates smoothly once again.
