I am trying to find the light source for the shifter in an 83 sd. There doesn't seem to be any light or wiring to light up the shift letters. Am I missing something?

The letters are illuminated via a fiber optic cable that disappears behind the dash.

The light source for the cable is somewhere behind the dash, but, I have not bothered to locate it yet.

I was just thinking about doing this. I need to find all the right bulbs before I tear apart the dash or CCU though.... Perhaps Phil or Roy or the dealer can help me out.....

My CCU only has one bulb still working, and the fiber optic light is out too.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I'm wondering if the shifter's fiber optic light is the same as the CCU's fiber optic light? The CCU works fine.........it's the shifter that doesn't work.

If you tear it apart and find it, be sure to let us know..........

I think I read somewhere that the CCU has its own lighting, its like 3 or 4 small bulbs behind the temp wheel and the buttons....the Fiber Optic bulb does the other stuff, like the shifter indicator....the vent slider markings, the rear dome light switch, sunroof switch, antenna switch, and defroster switch. However, the "on" light for the defroster is brighter, and built into the switch. All the window switches have their own light bulbs too.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Yep, you're right.

I was thinking of the fiber optic cables on all the switches above the CCU...........the one's that have to be removed every time the CCU is removed.

I have illumination on those switches.

The question is whether the bulb for those switches is the same as the bulb for the shifter?

The answer to your question is yes.

Sounds to me like your fiber optic cable somehow is not connected to the fiber optic spider which houses the bulb. This spider is directly behind the console switches.

The fiber optic cable runs up the console behind the CCU and other switches where it hooks to the spider.

Tear it all apart and see for yourself!

Wondering how I know all this? well... You'll see in my new thread Coming Soon!

__________________
1985 300SD "Sady" 235k miles
Wont Start for Anything!

Thanks Andy.

I think I've got a problem with the fiber-optic cable that runs to the shifter. It's not in good shape. I had it out when I did the shifter bushings and it has cracks in the plastic surface of the cable.

I happen to have an extra off my parts car, if you would like it. Drop me a PM.

I wont be needing it... again you will just have to wait to see what I have in store for all of you in my next thread.

Oh, PawoSD--

Your statement was correct, except for the rear defroster. Everything in that row of switches except for the Hazard switch is lit by the fiber optic spider.

__________________
1985 300SD "Sady" 235k miles
Wont Start for Anything!

I know the defroster switch is lit by the fiber optics, but it also has a bulb in it to signify when you power up the defroster. I know this because my fiber optic bulb is burned out and when I use the defroster the switch lights up.

As for that new thread you have coming...I can't wait!

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

oh, alright. Thanks for letting me know... you learn something new everyday.

The thread is coming... definitely before friday, but hopefully tomorrow.

__________________
1985 300SD "Sady" 235k miles
Wont Start for Anything!