Head light switch - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kip Foss · #1 05-30-2003, 05:37 PM

Does anyone know what the second pull out position in the head light switch is for? The first turns on the driving lights but I can't find any info on the second position. Is this position pre-wired to any place on the car?

jjrodger · #2 05-30-2003, 06:11 PM

The first pull out turns on the front fog lamps. The second pull out turns on both the front fog lamps and the rear fog lamp. There is a great debate about fog lamps and when you should use them (clue: when it is foggy). This stuff is all right there in the front of the handbook.

David Langsam · #3 05-30-2003, 08:21 PM

I believe the rear fog light is only on european models. I've checked my 560sl and it doesn't have it (though the light switch has a position for it). And there's nothing in my manual about it.

David

kip Foss · #4 05-30-2003, 09:17 PM

David,
I think you are right about the rear light position. Obviously there is nothing in my manual about the switch or we would not be having this conversation.

jjrodger · #5 05-31-2003, 05:50 AM

I think you're right. I'm sure there's been a post about rear fogs and their absence on US cars before. Anyway, I suppose the switch is the same and there simply isn't a bulb or wiring loom at the rear on US models. Refreshingly sensible: the only danger you can cause with rear fog lamps is by turning them on.

kip Foss · #6 05-31-2003, 10:14 AM

From what I have heard the rear 'fog light' is not an actual light in itself. Activating the switch only causes the tail lights to burn brighter. I agree that a rear facing amber fog light cause a few anxious moments if you saw them comein at you from the fog.

moparmike · #7 05-31-2003, 10:26 PM

is there a way to modify the switch? I have the same position in mine, and although I havent tested it, if it doesnt work, i would like it to.

Thanks,

jjrodger · #8 06-01-2003, 06:03 AM

it is definitely a separate bulb. It is a high-intensity bulb on the off side only. I will take a pic of my rear lamp cluster some time and post it (alhtough my car is RHD and so the bulb will be on the wrong side).

cbdo · #9 06-01-2003, 08:13 AM

Haven't checked my 560SL yet, but will. I had rear fog (NOT amber, a brighter red light) on my Saab, as does my wife on her Aurora. I do use them in heavy fog/rain/snow, as the guy behind you will see you sooner. I've also used them a few times to suggest fairly politely, without using brakes, to the guy two feet off my rear bumper that he might back off a tad; sometimes the message is understood, sometimes not of course.

cbdo · #10 06-02-2003, 10:09 PM

Just checked my car--no rear fog light, and no reference in manual (US-spec). May need to see what can be done about that.

Damian · #11 06-03-2003, 05:50 AM

I have an 82 500sl euro and it has a light in the centre of the switch which lights up on the second pull and extra light socket in one of the tail lights (I think its on the left hand side) for the fog lamp.

Damian

G-Benz · #12 06-03-2003, 02:55 PM

On my (US spec) W124, the second pull DOES light an additional bulb on the rear tailight (don't remember which one).

Few here understand the concept and just think you have an inoperable tailight...so maybe MB just removed the feature altogether on some models...

DR.DIESEL · #13 06-03-2003, 04:05 PM

The rear fog lamps started being put on US models around 90 to 93. On some cars like a 129SL or ML, the left side taillamp bulb is
a dual element style that lights up the 21w filiment when you activate the rear fog lamp. On most other models, there is a dedicated 21w bulb just for the rear fog lamp.
On my 1974 240d, my headlamp switch has the dual detent as well. There is just no wire or fog lamp unit on my car.
Most older 114/115, 123, and 107 cars used a seperate lamp
unit that was hanging under the rear bumper close to the tail pipes. It was a fog lamp with a red lens.
Hope this helps.
DR.D