In the 3+ years I have had and driven this car, the center column interior lights have never worked. none of the lights for the window switches, or any of the other switches, nor lights for the team control etc. I have in the past tested the bulbs etc, and found them all working, So I chalked it up to a bad wire etc or maybe an issue with the aftermarket radio that had been installed by previous owner.

On the way to work last night they all where on. And again this morning, working.

They come on with the key turned to accessory at full brightness, and don't seem to have any control via the dimmer switch. Also, they are not effected my the headlight switch position.

All my past w123s those lights would only turn on if I turned on the headlights.

So, I'm thinking something has gotten crossed or missed wired sometime in the past, where to start?

Headlight switch?

__________________
Respectfully,
/s/
M. Dillon
'87 124.193 (300TD) "White Whale", ~392k miles, 3.5l IP fitted
'95 124.131 (E300) "Sapphire", 380k miles
'73 Balboa 20 "Sanctification"
Charleston SC

Is there an aftermarket stereo installed?

Stereo installers can make a real mess in that area if they don't know what they are doing.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Ya, after market radio there.. I'm just going to have to dig around. The lights are off again, only worked that one night. But at least I know they can work...