Console light problem w123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bohous · #1 12-31-2005, 06:06 PM

I did a search and found solutions for dash light problems but nothing like what I have going on. Here's the deal...

My center console lights don't work....most of the time. This includes the top cluster (rear interor, antenna, sunroof, rear defrost) and all the thermo controls as well as the shifter. The dash lights work fine (although dim which I understand is the norm) and 3 of the 4 window controls and the hazard also light without problem.

Now here is the weird thing, the defrost button DOES work when on (bright) and I have seen the other lights work twice (only had the car a few months), both times after fiddling with the thermo controls. However, after shutting the car off and starting again, they failed to illuminate again. All I have done is replace the fuse with no luck as I suspected. Could this be a simple short in the wiring or wiring harness? I seen mention of bypassing the rheostat in some cases but I'm not sure it's appropriate here. Any help appreciated. Explaining it like I'm a 4yo encouraged.

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'85 300D, rusty

iNeon · #2 12-31-2005, 06:28 PM

from my readings on this, these switch lighs are fibre optic. pull one of the switches and check to see that the fibre is connected to the molex connector on the switch.

if it is-- youll need to find the source of the light. i cannot tell you where it is, unfortunately.

mine does this sometimes, but a swift bop to the dash makes it work, same with the cluster

i just love a car that responds to violence.

ImBroke · #3 12-31-2005, 06:47 PM

The lights are definitely fiber optic. This pic shows what I call the light spider. Don't know if anyone else calls it that or not, but it looks like one. There are four lights in the group of switches for the climate control, one goes to the center of the spider. From there, the lights get piped to the switches for sunroof, defrost, you get the idea. One light bulb lights up everything. Anyway, if none of the lights work, I'd start looking for something loose in there.
I just looked, sorry for the poor quality pic. I didn't realize it was so dark.

Bohous · #4 01-09-2006, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the replies. I finally got around to digging around back there and couldn't find any loose wiring. However, my "spider" was missing it's bottom right leg. I think that might explain one of the lights but not all. The bulb to the temp dial was totally busted. Anyway, I've poked around and beat the side of the console sensless to no avail. Anyway, thanks again and...

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