W126 interior lights with door open?

[AcIdBuRn]

Hey alls,


So the only light that comes on when I open the door is the passenger foot well light.


The dome lights work via switch so I know the bulbs are good but the dash switch does nothing. Just the switch on the light itself.


I'm fairly new to the 126. Is there something I'm overlooking?

[87tdwagen]

Not sure your year w126
Typically when the doors are opened, the puddle lamps on each door should light, the dome light has 3 switch settings, off, on with doors open, on/map with doors open or closed. The rear dome, or reading lamps depending on spec, has a switch on the dash center console that is also typically a 3 way likr the front dome switch.

Door switches, burnt bulbs, or possibly frayed door/chassis wiring are places to investigate

[AcIdBuRn]

Originally Posted by 87tdwagen

Not sure your year w126
Typically when the doors are opened, the puddle lamps on each door should light, the dome light has 3 switch settings, off, on with doors open, on/map with doors open or closed. The rear dome, or reading lamps depending on spec, has a switch on the dash center console that is also typically a 3 way likr the front dome switch.

Door switches, burnt bulbs, or possibly frayed door/chassis wiring are places to investigate

Is there a delay on the dome and map lights? The switches are off currently I think as the lights would stay on with the door closed but the puddle lights would go out as soon as the door closed.

Car is an '83 300SD

[87tdwagen]

The puddle lamps should all come on when any door is open. Open one door, all 4 door puddles illuminate. The dome lamps illuminate based on how the three way switch is positioned. Off, with doors, on without doors. Bulbs would be first to check. If the dome bulbs work without the doors in the on with door setting, then your problem is likely with the door switch. If the puddles dont illuminate on all doors with one door open, then the prob is likely the individual door plunger switch. If the puddles on all other doorsv light but not the one on the open door, could be bulb, plunger switch or wiring on that door.

No delay on, might have a dely off after closing doors. Dont think that was available on the gen 1 w126, maybe gen 2 1986-91.

Hope that helps

[AcIdBuRn]

Originally Posted by 87tdwagen

The puddle lamps should all come on when any door is open. Open one door, all 4 door puddles illuminate. The dome lamps illuminate based on how the three way switch is positioned. Off, with doors, on without doors. Bulbs would be first to check. If the dome bulbs work without the doors in the on with door setting, then your problem is likely with the door switch. If the puddles dont illuminate on all doors with one door open, then the prob is likely the individual door plunger switch. If the puddles on all other doorsv light but not the one on the open door, could be bulb, plunger switch or wiring on that door.

No delay on, might have a dely off after closing doors. Dont think that was available on the gen 1 w126, maybe gen 2 1986-91.

Hope that helps

Thanks. Gives me a place to start.


The switch position doesn't seem to matter. They stay on in either of the on positions. Probably a door switch issue as suggested. Odd that the puddle lights don't stay on though.