Light for shifter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shane83SD · #1 11-15-2003, 12:21 AM

Does 83 SD comes with the light to illuminate shifter? If yes, how to get to it? Thanks.

jbaj007 · #2 11-15-2003, 12:40 AM

It's part of the fiber optic system that illuminates the upper console switches (the ones above the climate control unit). These fiber optic bundles come from a common source bulb that resides in a black "octopus" directly behind the climate control unit. I can sort'a see it with the instrument panel out of the dash and it's readily accesssable with the CCU removed. One of these bundles (looks like black 12 gauge wire) goes to the shifter and flattens into a ribbon on which PND32 symbols are printed. If all of the upper switches and the shifter are dark, you need a new bulb; if only the shifter is dark then the fiber optic bundle to it probably pulled loose at the "octopus".

#3 11-15-2003, 02:44 PM

My shifter light does not come on until I shift from park or give the black shifter base a good thwap.

jbaj007 · #4 11-15-2003, 04:25 PM

On the 300TD 1982 the gated shift lighting is provided by a small two wire harness, socket and bulb. You have a loose electrical connection in one of those three items most likely.

The fiber optic gate lighting that I described above is for the early 126 chassis.

BoostnBenz · #5 11-15-2003, 05:59 PM

I also have the bad backlighting, I'll probably go out and fix that right now. However what I am wondering is how do the back up lights get triggered? Mine don't work and it'd be nice to have a little more than brake lights backing up at night. Is it something on the tranny or is it there at the shifter?

jbaj007 · #6 11-15-2003, 08:24 PM

Switch is at the shifter linkage (from below)with starter non-repeat and neutral safety switch.

shane83SD · #7 11-15-2003, 11:42 PM

I visited a local bone yard. There is a 300DT marked 84, center console all torn up and there is this "octopus" thing. I picked up couple black fiber glass lines just in case. Thanks, I would'nt know otherwise.

shane83SD · #8 11-16-2003, 08:16 PM

OK I need some help to get the Climate Control Unit wood panel out. Read the archive and not quite sure about the answer. It is for a 83 SD. Is it done by prying out the top switches and remove some screws? How many screws and which switches?

I did get the shifter wood panel out and checked the shifter. There is one "hollow" black tube going into the shifter housing. I probably need to get to the "octopus" thing behind the CCU panel.

BoostnBenz · #9 11-16-2003, 09:45 PM

On the W123s it just prys off, then behind it there are sometimes two screws on the top of the climate control which hold it to the vehicle. After this the top of the unit has to be tipped forward until the bottom is released then take out the whole unit.

jbaj007 · #10 11-16-2003, 10:13 PM

126 chassis

1.) disconnect battery
2.) best to remove the ashtray (two screws pointing down)
after pulling it out as far as is practical.
3.)remove the radio
4.) remove the two screws pointing up at the top of the DIN
opening where the radio was.
5.) Swing the CC wood panel out a little at the bottom and pull
down a bit.
6.) disconnect the switches from their plugs (including the fiber
optic cords to those switches that have them). You can use
a small screwdriver in the back of the panel to pry off
the plugs (why the battery is disconnected).
7.) take the wood panel off.

Going on memory here (dangerous with me); so anyone add/correct as needed, although, heaven knows, I've had mine off enough (sordid story).

shane83SD · #11 11-16-2003, 10:37 PM

Thanks for the help. I got the Becker radio out and removed the two screws holding the wood panel. I can see the octopus unit.
There is a empty hole in the center. Is it where the lamp should go?

I found an un-used small lamp which is the first in a series of lights. Right after it is the light for the thumb-wheel. The length of the cable is rather short. Is this un-used lamp supposed to plug into the octopus?

BoostnBenz · #12 11-16-2003, 11:18 PM

Yes the bulb goes in the center, last time I did that I had a bad time getting it to stay. I broke several bulbs there pushing on it so make sure to be careful. I wasn't aware that there is an extra bulb there but then again I'm suprised by the different method for the SD as well.

shane83SD · #13 11-16-2003, 11:35 PM

The extra one I was refering to is just hanging loose, not plugged in. the rest of the lights plug into the ACC unit. And there is this empty octopus hole. The length of the cable is so short, makes me wonder whether it is for the octopus.

jbaj007 · #14 11-16-2003, 11:48 PM

Feed the octopus that bulb

Check it first of course to make sure it lights and that the fiber optic lines are aligned/connected. Should "pop" in, but the plastic "socket" can get lazy with age and the short wire harness shows why they dislodge so readily with great frustration..

85drtysthbenz · #15 11-17-2003, 12:29 AM

what kind of bulb is in the octopus? is it like the ones for the gauge cluster lighting? could someone post a pic of the bulb that goes in the octopus?