Antenna switch question

[twochaps]

I have a 85 380SL where the antenna switch does not seem to light up. I pulled the switch and found two small black wires going into the switch, one at either end of the switch. What do these wires do? Do they light the bulb in the switch? Also, when should the switch be illuminated? Thanks ideas?

[DavidSoine]

Those are "fiberoptic" lines that go to a bulb sitting directly behind the climate control panel. It is one of those tiny instrument bulbs with no base. Replace that bulb and several things will light up - albeit very dimly.

best,

Dave
87 560SL

[twochaps]

Dave;

Thanks for the help. Now, do you know of any site that gives instructions on how to access the bulb? In other words, how do you remove the control panel.
I don't want to tear into things w/o some idea on what to look for.
Thanks again.

Bob Chapman

[DavidSoine]

Remove the ash tray by pushing down the tab and pulling out.

Remove the two screws from the ash tray "holder" and pull the holder away from the console a little - I don't think you have to pull it all the way out.

Once that holder is loose, you will find the wood panel with the climate control switches, etc. will be loose and it will pull away from the console. Of course it is still connected via electrical connectors, etc. so it won't move very far. You may have to disconnect a couple things in order to get the access you need to change the bulb.

Peer back directly behind where that wood panel was... you will see a funny looking "spider" thing with all those black tubes connected to it. The bulb holder is right in the center of this, if you can reach back in there a quarter turn should allow this bulb holder to be removed, exposing the tiny bulb.

The bulb just pulls out of this holder, and the new one can be inserted. You will be working by feel since the wiring to the bulb holder will not allow it to move more than a couple inches or so.

I am doing this from memory so someone please pipe in here if I am describing something incorrectly...

best,

Dave

[twochaps]

Dave;
You should be writing 'user manuals'. Your instructions were perfect and I had the bulb out in five minutes. Also found three other bulbs in the climate control module were out. Thanks again for the excellent help. Since I'm a novice at this stuff and am just starting to go over the car I'll probably be back with more questions and needed help.

[DavidSoine]

Glad I could help! I swear I've done almost every bulb on our car. Then last night I noticed...the hazard light switch should be illuminated, shouldn't it? One more to do.


best,

Dave
87 560SL

[twochaps]

Beleive it or not that was my next question. The flashers don't flash when the hazard switch is activated. Here's what happens - the hazard light lights up but no lights flash. The turn signal switch starts a buzzing sound. If I activate a turn signal by moving the turn switch lever to one side or the other the buzzung stops and the light blinks. Any ideas on this one? I found literature which says the 'flasher' is located in the center console forward of the shift lever. Since I am in there doing the bulb replacement I thought I'd look for the 'flasher'. I not sure what it looks like. Have you ever replaced the 'flasher'?

[DavidSoine]

I've never messed with it...I guess I better check the function of ours.

It's been a while since I pulled the wood cover of the console (around the shifter). I think you have to pull some switches then slide the wood cover rearward. I can't remember if there are any screws.

I've been distracted from bulbs lateley - the crappy idle that has developed in our car soaks up all my attention when I'm in the car.

best,

Dave
87 560SL

[twochaps]

Dave;
Thanks for your help. I'll post this question and see if anyone has any ideas.