SL/R129: Dashboard lights
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3
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1999 SL500 1980 450SL
Dashboard lights
Hi gang,
I have an issue with the panel lights and dash lights in our 1999 SL500. The lights come on in the panel, but I have to tap the top of the dash to get the outer ones on like the gas and clock. This includes that actual light for the headlight switch. Also the lights for the upper air vents are the same way. I have to tap on the dash above them to get them to come on.
Possible ground? loose bulb?
Lastly the switch on the upper windshield frame across from the map lights switch that is marked doors and lights on all the time seems to do nothing. Could anyone explain the function of that switch?
Other than these little issues, this is just about the finest car I have ever driven. Much better than our old 1980 450SL.
Thanks much
I have an issue with the panel lights and dash lights in our 1999 SL500. The lights come on in the panel, but I have to tap the top of the dash to get the outer ones on like the gas and clock. This includes that actual light for the headlight switch. Also the lights for the upper air vents are the same way. I have to tap on the dash above them to get them to come on.
Possible ground? loose bulb?
Lastly the switch on the upper windshield frame across from the map lights switch that is marked doors and lights on all the time seems to do nothing. Could anyone explain the function of that switch?
Other than these little issues, this is just about the finest car I have ever driven. Much better than our old 1980 450SL.
Thanks much
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
I think it is likely a bad solder joint on the circuit board and an easy fix. If you were to disassemble your cluster and post a photo of the circuit board I can suggest the area of the board where you would re-heat the solder joints.
The switch has three positions and selects the operating mode of the map lights: (1) unconditionally on, (2) unconditionally off, and (3) on with a door open, closed otherwise. To troubleshoot a problem with the lights I would remove the switch and verify that it works with a multimeter. Reply back if you want help with that.
The switch has three positions and selects the operating mode of the map lights: (1) unconditionally on, (2) unconditionally off, and (3) on with a door open, closed otherwise. To troubleshoot a problem with the lights I would remove the switch and verify that it works with a multimeter. Reply back if you want help with that.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1999 SL500 1980 450SL
Thanks much! I will pull the cluster and see whats there. Maybe not this weekend as I have to get the boat off the lake.
I will pull the switch and ring it out as it does nothing now. I was thinking that the map lights should have come on with the door open, but no matter what position the switch is in, they don't. They work fine from the map light switches.
Thanks again,
Hans
I will pull the switch and ring it out as it does nothing now. I was thinking that the map lights should have come on with the door open, but no matter what position the switch is in, they don't. They work fine from the map light switches.
Thanks again,
Hans
