Safety brake mishap

[TxDave]

71 280SE

After finding the safety brake (remember I have no manuals) I started using it since it is there. It works.

Well, I've since gone back to not using it because I've driven two times since finding it and didn't release it either time. It is just so hidden and easy to forget.

Was there supposed to be a warning light somewhere to tell me it is engaged? What are the three dummy lights in my gauge cluster. So far I've only seen one red light when I turn the ignition key to on.

Anyhow, for now I'm not using it since it is generally flat around here anyway. I'll stick to using it on inclines and not overdo it otherwise.

Thanks,
Dave

errr, why on earth would you only use it on inclines? I use it whenever I park, steep or flat. Who knows what could happen. It's also called a "Park barke" cause it's used for exactly that, parking.

[TxDave]

You're right. I obviously prefer to use it as it should be. I was half joking in disgust with myself for driving around with it engaged.

There was a question in there though that will help me. Is there supposed to be a light in the dash or a buzzer or anything that signals the safety brake being engaged so I won't drive off again without disengaging it? I can train myself to get in the habit of using it, but it would be nice to have the reminder. What does your car have?

Dave,

Yes, there should be a light in the instrument cluster that lights up when the parking brake is on. It's the same light that comes on when the brake fluid is low. I think it's in the 7:00 position on the left-side dial.

I was just on the www.m-100.org site looking at a reproduction of the 300 SEL 6.3 owner's manual which contains this info. I am assuming the 280SE cluster is essentially the same.

[MikeTangas]

Yes, there should be a red lamp to show the P-brake is engaged. The red one you see on start-up is probably the alt/gen lamp. The brake lamp should be roughly at the 7 o'clock position as earlier stated.

It could be that the bulb is burnt or it could be the PO removed it. Why you ask? Well, as the P-brake cable gets slack and doesn't get adjusted, what happens is the light will come on as you drive because the P-brake handle will work it's way outward, just enough to trip the light. Easily cured with a little adjustment.

Suspect you'll have to pull the cluster to check out the bulb.

[300SDog]

You probably want to get underneath and grease those cables sometime..... rear cable harnesses have been known to snap. Also check rubber flex discs at each end of driveshaft for cracks and wear.... in addition to seeking out and greasing nipples on driveshaft U-joints, and one secret grease fitting on top knuckle of rear swingarm next to the pumpkin.

If it was me, I'd probably monkey around with button switch on P brake handle before attacking the instrument cluster. Also ther's lotsa stuff you can do to improve instrument cluster when its disassembled...... bypassing or cleaning contacts on dash dimmer light switch, lubing the speedo cable, cleaning both sides of the glass...... have heard of one guy who repainted faded guage needles with fresh flourescent orange/red paint from hobby store.

[WANT '71 280SEL]

If you search there is a post with pictures that shows what every light/etc. is on the 108 cluster. I believe is from Tims_Benz that put it up. I think that is how his name is spelled out. He has some postings in vintage here to look up his name. Do a search though and you will see it under something like what are these lights or something like that?
Thanks
David

This is from a 300 SEL 6.3, thus the tach.

Instrument cluster, tachometer, speedometer

1 Cooling water temperature gauge,
red line: max. permissible temperature

2 Fuel gauge

3 Oil pressure gauge

4 Blinker control light left, green

5 Red mark on tachometer: Excess speed range of engine, remain there only for a short while, in no case increase revolutions!

6 Blinker control light right, green

7 Odometer

8 Trip mileage counter

9 Brake control light, red

10 Fuel reserve warning light, orange
Spare fuel for approx. 22-25 miles (35-40 km)

11 Generator indicator light, red

12 Control knob for instrument lights (continuous)

13 High beam control light, blue

14 Resetting knob for trip mileage counter

15 Warning light, red: Air suspension not in position "N" or air pressure of suspension too low

[Tomguy]

What is light #15, for the air suspension pressure? My 108 doesnt have one...

Lever switch for air suspension (applies to 300SEL models only)

3 positions:

N: Normal level = normal driving position.

Central position: Return flow stopped; air exit from valve unit of air suspension system is cut off. This position is always necessary while the car is being stowed by cranes and during transport.

H: High level = increased ground clearance. This position is provided for rough territory or poor roads; with the lever in this position drive only with moderate speed.

If the lever switch is not in position "N" or the air pressure in the supply tank is too low, a red warning light appears in the instrument cluster provided that the ignition is switched on.

[TxDave]

That guage is a little different from mine but it works for discussion.

So far of those three "dummy lights" 9,10&11 the only one I've ever seen come on is 11 the ignition indicator. So 9 is the safety brake and I'll check the switch on the brake handle and the light bulb itself. Probably the light bulb first cause I can easily get to it. My gauge cluster just slides out. Dunno if it is supposed to but it is fine by me.

So what is number 10?

[Tomguy]

10, "Tank-res," tells you when you're low on gas. It should light up when you're needle is on or near the "R" mark on the gauge.

[MikeTangas]

Be careful sliding out the cluster as both the temp and oil gauges are mechanical. The oil requires two 10mm wrenches (one for the fitting and one for counter hold on the gauge) while the temp gauge has to be removed from the cluster to remove the cluster completely from the dash (there is no way to disconnect the capillary tube from the gauge short of breaking it) unless you disconnect the capillary tube at the engine (not an easy task).

[300SDog]

Something important for the 114/115 that might also matter to the 108........... Its good idea to cover the wood with towel to prevent back of instrument cluster from scratching it.