Since I don't have anything else to worry about - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cphilip · #1 01-08-2009, 08:31 PM

... for a while. Now that my W123 has died.

Seem to be having a mixed up issue with the courtesy lamps in the back on the 95 W24 E320 wagon I just bought a few weeks back. Something I missed noticing when inspection the thing or its intermittent...

Yea.. I can't find anything else worse to worry about so I might as well start on this.

Sometimes the courtesy lamps in the back will turn on and stay on for a few minutes, then eventually turn themselves off. This is after doors are closed, crank and drive off... and on they go.. then they turn themselves off. This was with the passenger courtesy lamp switch in middle (off) position.

I also noticed the other day that they would come on when I CLOSED the door. And this time the switch was in the "on when doors open, off when closed" position. And they stayed on while I watched them for over 5 minutes so I went in and moved the switch to the "off" position and they went out when I closed the door then. Not that it should matter but I will mention I had had the doors open for a long time while I was doing some detailing before I noticed this.

Something to start figuring out I guess.

First thoughts are the switch itself? And other ideas?

The only other thing that doesn't work in this car is the power headrests but that was noted on inspection before I bought the car. So thats not really on my list of worries. But would like to start figuring out these courtesy lamps I think. Oh and main wiring harness good but not done much looking at any others outside those inside the hood.

TIA

babymog · #2 01-09-2009, 09:41 AM

I'd start with the switch.

On the power headrests, ... are they loose to slide up/down? If so, just he clip is broken (cheap part but a bit of a pain to replace).

cphilip · #3 01-09-2009, 10:05 AM

Yea... good a place as any. Or I could fix it the Click and Clack way... take the bulbs out!

I think they are. I haven't even looked at them. Mainly because I could have cared less about them working as long as the rest of the seats functions were good.

babymog · #4 01-09-2009, 10:39 AM

But the headrests are such a cool feature that passengers get giddy about: "How do I move the seat?" "See the switches on the door? Just push them where you want the seat to move" "What's this one for?" "The headrest." "COOOL!"

cphilip · #5 01-09-2009, 11:11 AM

That is certainly correct. They are cool. Will have to explore them when I get down to just that.

This morning I noticed the courtesy lamps just flickered twice and went out as I put it in drive and started to move away. Switch in central (off?) position. So it very well could be a slight contact is being made in the switch that should not be.

Now I have to do some research on how these particular switches are removed. They seem more recessed into the wood panel than a 123 switch is. Don't seem to be the normal pry out sort of set up?

babymog · #6 01-09-2009, 11:36 AM

Remove the buttons = pull off

Remove plastic circlip around the large/hollow center pin

The free end of the plate should now pull outward and un-clip (not sure on this part, should be obvious though)

The switch is held in place by two cross-recess screws (Phillips is a trademark)

It's more likely the clips holding the headrest to the drive mechanism, if the headreasts move up/down by hand without much force, that is the problem. Try pushing them all of the way down and see if they'll re-engage the clip, you can see the button from behind the seat to release them from said clip (a bulge in the rear seat cover about chest-high).

If the clip is broken, you'll have to remove the seatback to repair. Order the clips first, you won't want to do this twice.

The seatback is held at the bottom by 3 or 4 screws.

The sides are held by the seat side fabric. Have someone sit in the seat, and push backward against each side to loosen the fabric's tension, then the fabric should be able to be pulled rearward out of the seatback. Start at the bottom and use a smooth round object like a #2 phillips screwdriver shaft.

The white clip replacement at this point is self-explanitory, I remember something about a spring causing my fingertips pain though.

Installing is same as removal (seatback), have someone push on the seat to create extra material so that it can be fitted back into the groove.

Should be able to do both seatbacks in a little over an hour (first one the learning one), maybe an hour and a half.

cphilip · #7 01-09-2009, 11:42 PM

Good I will give it a look see tomorrow. I'll report back.

Any advice on how to get to the main Courtesy lamp 3 way switch? I assume involves removing the wood trim panel first.

babymog · #8 01-09-2009, 11:45 PM

Remove the two phillips screws on the bottom of the wood panel (just above the radio), swing the bottom of the panel toward you and up until the hooks disengage at the top. The rest will become apparent after that.