Does anyone have the correct procedure for accessing the so called octopus - i.e., the fiber optic sockets so I can see a nice glowing shift indicator at night? I understand it is either behind the radio on my '82 W126 300sd or climate control - help!

Behind the CCU, do all the other buttons, defrost, antenna, interior light work? All the same bulb.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

Suggest you search for the following: "300sd w126 trans quadrant light r&r". It's a procedure I added to the forum some time back after I fixed the same problem you described.

I did write a bit too much and went into much detail, trying to be helpful and descriptive, but you may find it useful.

__________________
Respect, protect, and maintain complex systems - whether natural or of German design, to benefit from their full potential.

1982 300SD W126.120 with an OM617.950 from a W116.120
1984 300SD W126.120 with an OM617.951

Thanks, sounds like the location is actually behind the CCU versus the radio -will check it out tomorrow, thanks!

While we are on this topic, I would like to ask a related question. Hope this is not considered railroading. My 126 does have some light at the shift indicator, so I know the bulb is working, but the light is very dim. Any suggestions for improvement in this area?

__________________
John Schroader
bio burnin' 83 300D, '83 300 SD, '79 240D
"I've never met a man who was good at making excuses who was good at anything else" Ben Franklin
"You cannot permanently help a man by doing for him what he could and should do for himself" Abraham Lincoln

^ The brightness is controlled by the dash rheostat.

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

I think I remember reaching mine with just the radio out. A skinny hand or a long pair of needle nose pliers with a gentle touch does the trick.

__________________
'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

^ Good, it's a pain to deal with anything else, here's a pic of my radio less SD.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
83 SD

84 CD

Found the octopus, light burned out, replaced with correct bulb and bobs your uncle. Not a tough job, but does require removing CCU, radio, ashtray, etc - lots of connections. Now I am repairing melted light sockets on back of CCU due to previous replacement by PO - I am using silicone tubing to hold sockets -much more heat forgiving