Faulty Heater Control Illumination Lights W124

[drussellwilks]

I am trying to figure out whether the heater controls on my W124 (1993 300e) should be illuminated or not. The dial parts with the arrows on are that control fan speed and airflow are lit up, but the circular dials to control temperature (red to blue) are not. I don't know if they are meant to be or not as I have not owned the car very long.

any advice appreciated

 

[bolide]

They should be illuminated. Pull the knob off & replace the bulb. If the knob is reluctant grab it with some mole grips with thick cloth in the jaws

Nick Froome
the independent Mercedes Estate specialists

 

[drussellwilks]

Many thanks Nick, I think the knob part is correct, it's the blue/red dials that don't seem to be lit up. I have enclosed an image which may make it more clear

 

[drussellwilks]

trying to post a picture, apologies

 

[drussellwilks]

 

[drussellwilks]

Sorry, I am not sure why the pictures won't show up. But basically the two control knobs that can be pulled off are working, but the red/white blue temperature control dial is not. I just wanted to check that it should light up.

 

[drussellwilks]

Hopefully a picture

 

[IanT]

Yes, the temperature controls should illuminate.

I can't remember for sure now, but I was pretty sure that you could get to the bulb from the front by rotating it to a certain position and removing a plastic cover in the wheel itself. You'd then use a rubber bulb puller (bit of small gauge tube) to remove the bulb and insert the new one.

Don't try this until someone else confirms it though, I'd hate to cause you to break it...

Ian.

 

[drussellwilks]

Thanks Ian, I had another search and found the details here
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/interior/61201-how-change-w124-temperature-dial-bulbs.html

At least I know they should work!

Many thanks everyone

 

[IanT]

Thanks Ian, I had another search and found the details here
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/interior/61201-how-change-w124-temperature-dial-bulbs.html

You've got me wondering now what car that method came from..

Ian.

 

[Frank O' Phile]

Make sure you have the correct wattage bulb. Too high and they can get very hot. Correct parts are cheap enough (less than a quid each)from MB

 

[drussellwilks]

Hi Frank,

Do you know what number the bulb should be, I was assuming it's a 286 type (1.2W) the same as the others for the heater fan controls?

 

[Frank O' Phile]

I know it's a mini capless bulb but there are at least two wattages available. I think I have a spare rattling aound the centre console. I'll have a look tomorrow and check the rating.

 

[kth286]

by giving the full VIN to the parts dept , it's computer finds the correct part number automatically for your particular car.

 

[Frank O' Phile]

Mine has 0.4W mini capless bulbs fitted.

 

[eggzy43]

same problems here but none of my heater and gear lights work! i replaced with a new b ulb to no avail, i now hear stories of wiring loom deteriation! e300d 1995
good luck though............

 

[SilverSaloon]

same problems here but none of my heater and gear lights work! i replaced with a new b ulb to no avail, i now hear stories of wiring loom deteriation! e300d 1995
good luck though............

may of been you (?) but there was a recent post about this and its most likely the dimmer knob that needs re-soldering or replacing on the cluster.

 

[stwat]

same problems here but none of my heater and gear lights work! i replaced with a new b ulb to no avail, i now hear stories of wiring loom deteriation! e300d 1995
good luck though............

I don't know if this also applies to the W124 but on the W201 there is a red fuse on the back of the clocks which is for the power supply to these bulbs. Hopefully someone will confirm or not but it could be worth checking.

 

[hotrodder]

Yeah, same set up on the w124 but presumably if it's this or the dimmer switch ALL dashboard/switch illumination would be affected

 

[stwat]

Well on the 190 it only seems to affect the heater and auto gear surround lights when it's blown.