switch illumination

[jchip]

On my 1991 560 SEL, the illumination on 2 switches does not work. They are the rear defrost switch and rear dome light. All other switches illuminate fine. I replaced the switches thinking they had burned out bulbs but they still don't work. I noticed that both switchjes have what looks like a fibre optic cable which probably provides they illumination. Question is, where is the light source(s) located? Anybody know?
Thanks,
J.Chip

[handsworth]

You are right about the thin cables that supply light to the switches and sorry I don't know how they work but on a 86 420SEL that I was parting out, once I had removed the center console, the radio and the climate control unit I saw the connections hanging right there. It was one main cable that branched off into several little ones. I really believe it was driven by a light source (bulb). Not sure if you really need to remove all these parts to get to it, but its right behind the CCU.

[sixto]

handsworth is exactly right. There's a spider looking thing behind the ACC control panel. A bulb is pressed into the head of the spider illuminating each of the legs. If any of the console switch lights or ashtray light work (hazard switch has its own bulb) then the fiber optic filament probably fell off from the switch or got kinked.

If it's the bulb, I think you can get to it by pulling only the radio but you'll be working blind. With the radio out, it's only a couple more screws to pull the console panel.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

[jchip]

Thanks guys,
I'll pull the switches and console again and check out the FO cables to the source. Prior owner had an aftermarket CD installed which means someone was screwing around behind the panel. Hope they didn't damage the FO cable. Strange thing is, I can't seem to find the FO light source on any of the wiring diagrams.
J.Chip