Alda
 

Can any one tell me what the ALDA is, where it is and how to adjust it on my 1983 300SD. Also I need to know how to get to the lights under the center consol because the light for the shifter is out. Same thing for the lights on the switches above the radio. Thanks

Phil, Check in the "search" for ALDA. Tons of posts and good advice there. :)

It's that round thing on top of the injection pump. It has a metal shield around it to prevent you from tampering with it. If you feel the need to tamper there, you will have to carve that shield away from it.
Best advise I have read on that part came from Engatwork, he noted on the best running MB's he has seen, the ALDA was left alone. Not always true I suppose, but the point is there are a lot of other parts around that one that very strongly affect the way the ALDA functions, and that affect the fuel flow just as well as that part. So take your time to sort it out and get it right the first time. :sun_smile

Remember, you asked for it...
 

Also I need to know how to get to the lights under the center console because the light for the shifter is out.

Remove the ash tray and coin tray, reach under left front of shifter, feel the wires, pull down gently. It's a 1.2W instrument bulb in a socket. Plug back in by feel. You will see P R N D 3 & 2 again.

Same thing for the lights on the switches above the radio. Thanks

Again, start by removing the ash tray. Now, remove the radio. (My radio is not inserted all the way, so it didn't need the pulling tools. In its present condition, I dont care if someone steals it... You may need the removal tools.)

Remove two Philips screws above the radio, under the wood switch panel. Hang on, do not drop them or they will disappear into the console (don't ask...) :P

Gently remove the wood switch panel, use care because the switches come out with the panel, and their wires do not bend or stretch easily.

You are looking for a 'octopus' that is mounted to the dash, just about behind the red flasher switch. Optical fibers go to the bar indicators under the left, center and right vent slides, as well as several of the panel switches.

You may have to unplug the switches to get finger access. Go slowly.

There will be a single optical fiber in addition to the multi-wire plug for the rear defrost switch. The multi-wire plug comes off first, followed by the optic fiber. Others, such as the air recirculation and antenna switch also have both optic fibers and wires. Do keep track of which connector and fiber went to which switch. They are keyed, but it's less nerve-wracking.

Finally, you should be able to see the optical fiber hub. There is a lamp plugged forward into a socket in this hub. Gently wobble, wiggle and pull backwards to remove this socket, with the dead lamp, also 1.2W. Replace the lamp in the socket.

Now is a good time to turn your key to Position I and turn on the lights, to verify that the lamp works! Assuming it does, push it back into place.

Wait, you may not be done yet. There are two more 1.2W lamps in the ACC control unit. The left lamp illuminates the Temperature dial and the left buttons, the right lamp illuminates the right buttons and fan speed buttons. Are either or both burned out? You will want to unplug the left and right multi-wire connectors to the ACC unit (a bit of gentle prying may help start the unplugging) and then remove two more Phillips screws to free the ACC unit. The lamps are recessed into the front, and the unit has to be removed for access. Use a strong tweezers, or something like that to grip the lamp and pull straight out. Installation is the reverse, but be sure the lamp base is aligned with the slot of the socket, then push straight in and press into place. It is possible to misalign the lamp, have it cock sideways and disappear into the depths of the ACC unit. (Again, please don't ask...) :P If this happens, you'll have to remove the cover of the ACC unit (held on with two tiny Phillips screws) to shake it loose and start over.

All lamps in their sockets, and working? Go ahead, turn the lights on again, double-check!

Put the cover back on the ACC control and attach it to the switch panel. Connect the two ACC plugs, the rear defrost optic fiber and plug, the air recirculation switch, the hazard switch, the antenna optic fiber and plug, and the rear reading light switch. (or whatever combination of switches you have)

Gently push the switch panel back into place, it may take a bit to re-fold the wires. Hold upward pressure on the panel as you insert and tighten the two screws using all three of your hands. :D Again, be gentle, they go into plastic and strip easily. (yeah, don't ask. One good screw is all I have holding the panel now. The other is there, but loafing.)

Reinsert the radio, fold wires carefully.

Replace coin holder and last, the ashtray. Don't drop the screws!! :rolleyes:

You'll be amazed at how the switches look at night. Personally, I think the illuminated bars under the vents are the coolest! :cool:

Take your time, and let us know how much fun it was.

Best Regards,
Jim

P.S. I replaced my lamps in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn at sunset, finished by flashlight, and got to admire the new lights in the dark. Oh, they joy of being a Road Warrior without a garage!

Picture.
 

Please through this post
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=102268&page=1&pp=15