380sl Courtesy/interior light: Not working?

[RickM]

Ok, the two courtesy/interior lights on the windshield frame don't come on when I open the doors. Is there a switch other than on the door jamb?

[DanielG]

On my 560sl there is a switch on the dash -- it has three positions --> light on is on the left, light off in the center, and light on when door opens is on the right-- it is one of those rocker switches. Don't know if its the same on the 380sl (or is it a 500)

[RickM]

Dan, Thanks for the reply. Where is the switch on your dash?

[DanielG]

Rick -- it is above the radio and below the analog thermometer gauge

[RickM]

K...just ran out to the car and found the switch. Now I know why it was set to the "Off" position. When the dash switch is in the door-switch-activated center position the lights stay on even after the door(s) are closed. A quick test of the switch reveals that it's fine as it properly switchs the footwell courtesy lights.

Perhaps the overhead light are grounding out? Any clues?

Thanks again, Dan.

[DanielG]

No clue -- I assume you tried the third position to make sure it is the always on position and not the "door open" position?

[RickM]

Yes I tried the 3rd position.....Always on..it works.

Actually, I meant to say that I tried the dash switch in rightmost position...this uses the door switch to work the lights.

[DanielG]

As the dash switch works, and the lights light, my guess is that the problem is in the door switch--- although I haven't looked at mine, I assume that they are plungers that get pressed as the door is closed -- they should be located in front of the doors in the -"door well" (?)- put the dash-light switch in the "open door activate" position, open the driver side door and then press the plunger in and hold it, if the lights don't go out, try opening the passenger door (closing the driver door) and holding that plunger in -- I would assume if either plunger is bad (that is not working when presssed in) the lights would stay on. At least this way you might narrow the problem to these door switches.

This is the procedure I would use to eliminate the door plunger switches as the problem -- maybe we could hear from some tech. people on this?

[DanielG]

By the way -- as I'm sure you are aware -- the lights may have a slight delay -- that is they may stay on for a short while after the door is closed (I cannot recall right now if this happens?)

[RickM]

I tested the door switches...while the overhead lights are always lit the footwell lights are going on and off as I push the plunger in and out (as they should).

The manual doesn't mention any delay. I'm kind of doubting that this year car has the feature.

Looks like I'm taking things apart.

[DanielG]

Is it possible that the third position on your dash switch is not functioning so that you really have on-off-on? My manual makes no indication that the floor lights are in any way connected to the dash switch -- it seems that they are only operated by the door switches. You might want to take the dash switch out and clean the contacts -- do a search on this forum with respect to taking rocker switches apart and cleaning them (their interiors) -- I believe I have seen threads with respect to cleaning window switches. Further, if you are interested in replacing the switch, typically these switches are not terribly expensive (mid $20's for the window switches).

[RickM]

Good point. I'll check it out and let you know what I find. Thanks for the ideas.

[RickM]

Dan,

I'm happy to report that you were right and I was wrong.

The overhead courtesy lights are on a delay. All seems to be well.

Thanks for your assistance!

[DanielG]

my pleasure -- its always nice when the car does what its suppose to do!