How do you replace the bulb for the tranny shift indicator?

I'm interested in this fix as well, as my P R N D 2 L indicators on my gear shift don't light up anymore

~~Paul

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'91 300E 197k mi

Take off the trim around the selector box, remove the wood panel (dunno for the SEL, but for the 300E there is a Phillips screw at the rear under the center console carpet or 2 Phillips screws in the center console storage box) and get out the socket that goes in the front of the gear selector box to change the bulb.

greetingz,

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1990 300SL-24
1993 C250D with a minor 600+k kilometer
www.MBenzNL.com(the Netherlands)

Gentlemen: I had the same problem with my 1985 300SD--same basic 126 chassis as yours. I tried in vain to find a bulb socket in the vicinity of the shift indicator. I even removed the damn plastic indicator strip (PRNDSL) in the console which has a black wire that diasappears way up behind the ashtray area. I couldn't figure out how the damn thing was illuminated. Eventually I gave up and put it all back together.

I mentioned this to a mechanic at the local Mercedes dealer and he just laughed and said the black wire attached to the indicator is actually a glass (fiber optic) cable. Light from a conventional bulb is directed through the glass wire to illuminate the letters in the strip. He told me to follow the wire to its source behind the ashtray area and I would find the "bad boy" bulb. Haven't pursued it yet, but if he was telling me the truth, I assume you will find the fix appropriate for your car as well. Good luck. John Downey

Changing the bulb for gear selection is quite easy and contrary to what some have said, for the 560 SEL it is not fiber-optic. Simply pull out the ashtray, remove the interoir of the ashtray (shiny part where the butts go..) you will see two screws, remove them. Carefully pull on the ashtray assembly and the unit will pull all the way out. You will then be able to remove the plastic piece that sits just below your ashtray. The elusive bulb is quite small, available at any car parts store for $2.00 for 2 bulbs ( sorry, do not remember the part # ) The bulb plugs into the gear shift selector from the underside. Its a hard bulb to find, if you look directly above the P (park) but on the underside of it, you will find it, black wires, white plug, simply pull out, put in new bulb and re-install. It took me about 5 minutes all told. One note- the wood surrounding my gearshift selector (fortunatly/unfortunately) was broken by the PO. It doesnt show, but it makes it extremely easy to remove, actually I like that it provides easy access. However, you should not have to remove that portion, I did, simply because I could easily. Good luck...you will find it once you get in there..its not bad! Jeff

For the '86 there is a bulb located at the left front corner of the shift gate. Once you have the wood panel off you will see a string (at least you should) at that location. Pull the string and out will come a small socket with a small bayonet bulb.

Getting the wood out can be tricky and you will damage it if done wrong. Remove the ashtray, then the two screws you see under the ashtray, slide the whole ashtray assembly out. Next work the coin tray out by sliding forward to disengage, you will also have to disconnect the seat heater switches (switches stay with the tray), be care not to get the connectors swapped or the swicthes will activate the wrong seat. Once the tray is out of the way carefully, I can't stress enough, carefully try to slide the panel forward. DO NOT try to lift the panel, slide it forward about 10mm or so.

Sliding it forward will disengage the two L shaped legs that keep the panel secured. Once forward about 10mm, carefully lift the panel at the rear and start disconnecting all of the window/mirror and fader switches. Once all are free the panel will lift straight off and you will be able to locate the string.

Should you break anything, or find anything already broken on the center panel check this out . That link will walk you through some fixes.

Hope this helps. Happy New Year!

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Wow!
I just did the same thing as FireWalker, just 2 days ago.

He's correct.

Removing the frame that the ashtray slides into takes a little finess, so you don't scratch the leather/vinyl that wraps the console. It has to be worked slowly...straight out.

I suspected a 'fiber optic' deal, running from someplace in the instrument cluster also...LOL

But leave it to German engineering...they did it the best way!


Mike, That was a GREAT post on how to repair the wood piece in the console!

The pictures say a thousand words!

My post here is mostly directed at my buddy, FireWalker.....
He doesn't know I'm lurking around here...watching him take my credit.. LOL
:p

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'62 VW Bug (just sold)
'69 Porsche 911T (in Germany-still there?)
'72 280 CE, 5-Spd (with the Porsche?)
'90 VW Corrado G-60
'89 560 SEL 93K

Very nice instructions! Although my shifter illumination works, I'll know where to look when it goes out.

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1989 420 SEL