Shifter Console Lighting - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 11-04-2006, 09:07 PM

I have always wondered if the console where the shifter is - is lighted. At night, I can't really see the PRND123 letters on my console.

1985 300SD Sady · #2 11-04-2006, 10:05 PM

Yes, that area should be lit.

It is lit by fiber optic cables, I think the bulb that supplies the light to this area is buried in the dash. I could be wrong.

BenzDieselTuner · #3 11-04-2006, 10:11 PM

my light works on and off sometimes, and when it stays off, u slap the console really hard, and the light goes back on......

Biglex · #4 11-04-2006, 10:13 PM

Mine has never been on, not since I have had the car. I just thought it didnt have one. Guess it is time to check that out too.

running-snail · #5 11-04-2006, 10:28 PM

The bulb is in the console, I've replaced mine. Don't remember how to get to it but it wasn't difficult. Do a search here, you should be able to come up with the method.

sailor15015 · #6 11-04-2006, 10:29 PM

Its supposed to be lit. Mine's only not come on once in the year and a half that I've had the car. A good smack fixed that. I had the consol off recently but I can't remember if its got its own light or a cool fiberoptic setup like the antenna, sunroof, etc. assembly. I want to say its got its own bulb, though.

JimmyL · #7 11-05-2006, 12:17 AM

I just took the console out of the '77 300D today, and there was a bulb at the end of a small wiring harness, drivers side of shifter. Just plugs into the side........

Jeremy5848 · #8 11-05-2006, 12:21 AM

Somewhere in the last six months I've seen an article on taking the console out and the quadrant light is mentioned. I wonder if it was a DieselGiant how-to? Anyway, do a search, it's definitely there.

Biglex · #9 11-05-2006, 01:04 AM

Ok strangely enough, when i went out and drove my car up the street, I looked down and sure enough, my console light showing the gears was on. I guess it knew about my wiring abilities.

cdplayer · #10 11-05-2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

I have always wondered if the console where the shifter is - is lighted. At night, I can't really see the PRND123 letters on my console.

Do not recall your make and model.
I have a 500SEC. And the console light is way too dim for me too. Went to the junk yard to trace the how too's on getting at the bulb. It involves removing the console so you can access the four bolts that hold the shifter box in. Once you get the box out you can access the bulb. I replaced mine with a Xenon bulb. Much much brighter. I removed the shifter handle so I could invert the box because I could not figure the darn thing out. I wanted to get at the newer looking shift indicator plate. Mine was very dull and scrached. It seems the box snaps together. Getting it to unsnap is the hard part. Better to make mistakes with the junk yard part than your own. Good luck

tobybul · #11 11-05-2006, 02:31 PM

Opened up the shifter console and found bulb.... easy job. Bulb is mounted in holder at driver's side of shifter console.

Best to remove ashtray first then console lifts up easily. No need to totally remove console. Also, remove rubber seal around shifter first.

The bulb is an Osram Sylvania 2721 1.2w 12v. Neither Napa nor AZ have them. THe online parts stores have them but I'll chk with dealer tomorrow.

1st pic is the bulb, 2nd is how it looks below the console, 3rd buld holder pulled out and last under console with holder removed (plus all the dirt. Good time to clean).

JimmyL · #12 11-05-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Also, remove rubber seal around shifter first.

Why?

tobybul · #13 11-05-2006, 04:58 PM

Jimmy, U R right!! No need to remove rubber... just got carried away.... I actually did cuz I thought the thing it surrounds would stay down when I lift the console....my mistake...

pawoSD · #14 11-05-2006, 05:24 PM

Anyone here have any tips on replacing the bulb that powers the fiber optic system in the W126 cars? Whats the best approach/way to get at it? Also, what needs to be removed to replace the bulbs behind the climate control unit buttons? Practically everything is burned out by now on mine, and I wanted to replace some bulbs.

JimmyL · #15 11-05-2006, 05:29 PM

You might can get to it if you remove the CCU unit I think.....