LCD Backlight on Temp Control Not Working

[Slim Jim]

I have a 1999 SL500 Sport (VIN.......186377).
The LCD backlight on the dash mounted temperature control unit does not go on when the lights are turned on. The LCD display is working fine. But at night you can't read it because there is no backlight to illuminate the degrees, adjust the fan setting, etc. The little red LEDs for EC On/Off, recirculation On/Off, etc are all working.

The LCD backlight for the radio controls mounted below the temp control work fine.
Appreciate any suggestions to fix this problem.

Slim Jim

[97 SL320]

Easy fix. Get a set of radio removal tools, these are also used to remove the climate control unit. Be careful to hold the climate buttons when removing the tools otherwise the buttons will pop off.

Once you pull the climate control, turn it over and look for a small square in a hole. Give this a 1/4 turn CCW and the bulb + holder will pop out. This is a one piece unit and the new bulb will come with the holder.

While you are in there, have a look at the climate control part number, if it starts with a 202 , this is the same unit as a ~ 96 to 00 C class ( mostly the 280 as the 220 / 230 had manual climate knobs ) To make it work on a SL, the version coding needs to be changed with a scan tool or some button pushes on the CC unit.