Why is there only one courtesy light in 300TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bajaman · #1 03-19-2008, 10:46 AM

Has anyone else found it annoying that there is only one courtesy light in the 123 300TD. I would assume that the 300D probably suffers from the same problem, but I don't own one?? Anyone ever try to wire in a second light for the rear seat? I'm sick of trying to strap kids in the back in total darkness

JBG · #2 03-19-2008, 11:00 AM

You mean a wagon? There's a rear light in mine. Light on the center dash (don't know what it's really called) that turns it on, plus it goes on when you open the doors/hatch. Yours should still be there, even if it doesn't light up (???)

Chad300tdt · #3 03-19-2008, 11:01 AM

My wagon has one by the rearview mirror and one by the rear hatch. I plan to install w126 reading lights on the pillars behind the rear doors to illuminate the rear seat area for the same reason you want it brighter. It's tough to get the kids in the car seats when you can't see.

sd300td · #4 03-19-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bajaman

Has anyone else found it annoying that there is only one courtesy light in the 123 300TD. I would assume that the 300D probably suffers from the same problem, but I don't own one?? Anyone ever try to wire in a second light for the rear seat? I'm sick of trying to strap kids in the back in total darkness

You should have one just above the rear hatch. It has a switch just like the light up front, so it may just be turned off. Granted, even with it on you'll still want more light for the back seat.

Bajaman · #5 03-19-2008, 11:07 AM

Yes, wagon, and yes mine has one in the front and one in the rear. I need one above the rear seat. JBG, does your hatch light really turn on when the doors are opened? Mine does not. Does anyone know if this is a 1985 specific thing or have I got a wiring problem?

Chad300tdt · #6 03-19-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bajaman

Yes, wagon, and yes mine has one in the front and one in the rear. I need one above the rear seat. JBG, does your hatch light really turn on when the doors are opened? Mine does not. Does anyone know if this is a 1985 specific thing or have I got a wiring problem?

I don't believe it's specific to 1985. You probably need to clean the contacts in the light switch. It has 3 positions, on, off, and auto which operates by the back doors and the hatch.

paul900 · #7 03-19-2008, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bajaman

Yes, wagon, and yes mine has one in the front and one in the rear. I need one above the rear seat. JBG, does your hatch light really turn on when the doors are opened? Mine does not. Does anyone know if this is a 1985 specific thing or have I got a wiring problem?

definitely should light when either the back doors or the hatch are opened, my 82 does.

Paul

Bajaman · #8 03-19-2008, 12:53 PM

I have been meaning to work on this for quite a while, but it is pretty low priority. Neither rear doorswitch turns on any light at present. So, do both front and hatch lights come on with the rear door open or just the hatch. I would like to know what I should be starting with here.

Chad300tdt · #9 03-19-2008, 12:54 PM

On mine, the front doors work the front dome and the rear doors and hatch work the hatch dome.

SwampYankee · #10 03-19-2008, 03:20 PM

I've got to look into why my rear one doesn't work, but I don't think it would exactly light up the interior either given the output of the front ones. One central one would do a better job.

Chad300tdt · #11 03-19-2008, 03:29 PM

I put LEDs in mine and it helps a lot, but without a fixture right in that area, it's still dark. I think the w126 reading lights will be a great addition.

vstech · #12 03-19-2008, 03:31 PM

where you going to put them?

Chad300tdt · #13 03-19-2008, 03:33 PM

I was thinking the pillars right behind the rear door. That should allow the light to shine on the car seats. I think they will fit fine, but there is the option of locating some roof rail lights too.

Shawn D. · #14 03-19-2008, 06:13 PM

How is the rear light activated by opening the hatch? There's no jamb switch in my '84 300td (and no place for one, either). Is the switch in the door latch?

Chad300tdt · #15 03-19-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn D.

How is the rear light activated by opening the hatch? There's no jamb switch in my '84 300td (and no place for one, either). Is the switch in the door latch?

Yup, the switch is in the latch. Opening the hatch closes the circuit and closing the hatch opens it.