Courtesy lite problem on 95 SL 500 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Pete Geither · #1 05-16-2006, 09:04 PM

The two courtesy lites by the rear view mirror are the problem area. The right hand one started just flickering when it was supposed to be on. Tonite I tore the whole header apart to try to solve the problem. This is what is going on,,,, When the RH rocker switch is in the center position, I have power to both terminals on both lights. When I push the rocker for the left light, I get power to the negative side of the left light and it lights. When the rocker switch is pushed to the right, I get no power to either terminal on the RH light, and the light does not light. The box on that assembly that feeds the lights and rocker switches is filled with diodes, resistors and chips,

, should I just try to find a whole new unit,,, live with it,,, or do you think there is a fix? Not a real big deal, just annoys me. Thanks,,, Pete

tecqboy · #2 05-16-2006, 09:49 PM

Assuming the lamp is good, check the continuity of the switches. They are a known problem area. New switches are cheap and easily changed. Try a forum search for more info.

iwrock · #3 05-17-2006, 01:08 AM

I had that problem. I replaced the switches (bought used from ebay), and all is well again. I tried the method of opening it up, and cleaning it, but the guts went everywhere!

The switch probibally has just worn out from use and age.

Pete Geither · #4 05-17-2006, 05:36 AM

Thanks,,, will get a new switch today.

Pete Geither · #5 05-18-2006, 07:56 PM

Got BOTH new switches today and ,,,, you guessed it,,,, no change. I hate when that happens. I'll just live with it, but it ticks me off.

GermanMarque · #6 05-18-2006, 08:51 PM

The two courtesy lights by the rear view mirror are the problem area. The right hand one started just flickering when it was supposed to be on. Tonight I tore the whole header apart to try to solve the problem. This is what is going on,,,, When the RH rocker switch is in the center position, I have power to both terminals on both lights. When I push the rocker for the left light, I get power to the negative side of the left light and it lights. When the rocker switch is pushed to the right, I get no power to either terminal on the RH light, and the light does not light. The box on that assembly that feeds the lights and rocker switches is filled with diodes, resistors and chips, , should I just try to find a whole new unit,,, live with it,,, or do you think there is a fix? Not a real big deal, just annoys me. Thanks,,, Pete

The right hand one started just flickering when it was supposed to be on.

1. Getting some power- RH rocker switch is in the center position,

(Visible check or with Ohm meter?)

2. I have power to both terminals on both lights.

(is output same to both lights with ohm meter check?)

3 When I push the rocker for the left light, I get power to the negative side of the left light and it lights.

(Vehicle is negative earth, power should be to Pos side of light)

4, When the rocker switch is pushed to the right, I get no power to either terminal on the RH light, and the light does not light.

(Light/bulb faulty? Have you tried swapping lamps around – left to right to check if right is faulty, in that left works in rights position?)

The box on that assembly that feeds the lights and rocker switches is filled with diodes, resistors and chips, , should I just try to find a whole new unit,,, live with it,,,

I have tried to organise this logically as I admit I am not familiar with your models switch locations or operations. You state you replaced both switches and still have the same problem. You lost me there, what function does the other switch perform? The basic principle is the same with vehicle electrics so. It appears power is not the problem at this stage (black box lives!). You are getting power to both lamps –one intermittent and I assume current to the Pos side of the left lamp. As suggested by another post, replace the switch as power is apparently not the problem (done). If ohm meter reading output to both lamps is the same, looks like the right lamp could be faulty, can you swap them around to test? Are switch/switches new or 2nd hand, if new, you have eliminated them/it as the problem. If 2nd hand could be unlucky and bought a replacement buggered switch! Hope this helps and sorry for the long winded response.

Hans Christian ANDERSON - Story Teller aka 280SL !