1995 W124 E280 Exterior Light Switch Illumination

[jackafrica]

Huge title, but I'm in the dark!

The exterior light switch, which controls the headlamps, foglamps and suchlike is no illuminated when the switch is on.

I realise there is a small mini wedge bulb in the centre of the switch, which presumably should illuminate when the fod lamps are selected, but it doesn't light, yes I've replaced the bulb.

BUT, the biggest frustration is that there is no light around the perimeter of the switch. Every other lamp on the car works, even all the cute little vent bits light up.

Please someone, beam me up, where's the bulb, or is it a separate fuse, or what? Arrrgh, madness!

Thanks in advance.

Cheers
Richard

 

[hotrodder]

The bulb in the centre only comes on with the rear fog lights, the tell tale for the front fogs is visible through the windscreen. Sorry, couldn't resist . The bulb that backlights the switch position markings is behind the trim panel, i can't remember which is the most helpful direction to apply 'sliding' pressure when uncliping it but (if no one else chimes in) you should be able to feel it out once the big nut (24mm) holding the switch in is removed.

 

[jackafrica]

Thanks for the info on the location of the back lighting for the switch.

Certainly if someone can recall the procedure for the removal pf the trim panel that would be greatly appreciated. I would prefer not to damage the fascia panel.

Little wonder the red light in the centre didn't work when I operated the front foglamps, seeing as they're for the rear! Doh. Now i have ot see if my car has rear fog lamps. Ahh the joy of finding yet another working accessory.

I await the collective advice of those experienced, the "sliding pressure" or the twist its t*t* off approach with a sharp screwdriver...

Cheers
Richard

 

[SilverSaloon]

its worth noting that only the outer display - ie not the switch itself, illuminates.

get some plyers and some cardboard, put use the cardboard to protect the switch as you basically pull it off with the plyers.

then you'll need to undo the large nut on the switch itself. long nose plyers make easy job of this.

then the trim panel will remove - just unclips from here

you'll see the bulb for the outer behind

 

[jackafrica]

Yep, done deal. Thanks for the assists.
The nut is 24mm. The switch knob was removed with a firm, straight pull outwards, using my palm on the switch cover.
Bulb is a mini wedge, as is the reversing fog lamp indicator in the centre of the switch.

To remove the cover once the switch nut is removed is a gentle push to the left of the trim piece and then carefully wiggle to reveal the bulb holder.

After replacing the bulb, the outer illuminates, perfectly.