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I'm pretty sure in the pic the dials are backlit. I have read that some models in later years of the W203 had backlit dials. Should mine be lit is the question.
I just finished mine…
I’m currently working to convert the PWM signal to the blower fan back to a stable DC signal to trigger a relay to illuminate the actual vents…
If you go down this road, the back vents particularly, I found laying fabric looming tape inside where plastic rubs plastic to have greatly reduced the creeks and squeaks…
Interesting. Why do you have to take the signal from the blower? Is that how the lights are wired from the factory if equipped? Still find it super annoying that this was left out on our C55's.
I believe the vent wheel lights are wired to a switched source that comes on with the external lights. This has been the case with all the models I've owned, W124, 210, 164, 166.
Thanks for the question!
The OEM knob wheel lights get power from light switch/internal lighting circuit which is gray with blue stripe wire. I have them, as well as the shifter on this, the ashtray/cubby light circuit.
The vents will illuminate when the HVAC system is on AND the lights are on using the same circuit for power, but switching over from a signal lead activated by the PWM motor. All lines before motor regulator are monitored…
The door panel ambient light strips will get power from the illumination signal wire to the switches…
I believe the vent wheel lights are wired to a switched source that comes on with the external lights. This has been the case with all the models I've owned, W124, 210, 164, 166.
It is my understanding that this is how they would/should be wired as well, or rather come on when at least the internal night time illumination is on. I think it's pretty much the same in any car.
Originally Posted by BF_JC230
Thanks for the question!
The OEM knob wheel lights get power from light switch/internal lighting circuit which is gray with blue stripe wire. I have them, as well as the shifter on this, the ashtray/cubby light circuit.
The vents will illuminate when the HVAC system is on AND the lights are on using the same circuit for power, but switching over from a signal lead activated by the PWM motor. All lines before motor regulator are monitored…
The door panel ambient light strips will get power from the illumination signal wire to the switches…
So your dial lights will illuminate as normal and as Mercedes wired them, but you've added your own vent "background" lighting that will only turn on when the night time lights are on and the HVAC is running, right? Curious.
Last edited by brauhaus313; Jun 24, 2021 at 03:17 AM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
