instrument binnacle lighting out on e300d w124

[stephen coy]

Went out last night in my '94 w124 e300d and the instrument binnacle and auto trans. lever surround lighting failed to come on.

I've checked the fuse box and all fuses are intact (fuse no.3 appears to be the one in question, also responsable for the rear number plate which remains lit).

Any suggestions for possible cause very welcomed!

 

[SilverSaloon]

the trip reset button is a dimmer switch. turn it a bit and the lights will probably come on. if they dont report back and we'll explain what else is wrong

 

[stephen coy]

the trip reset button is a dimmer switch. turn it a bit and the lights will probably come on. if they dont report back and we'll explain what else is wrong

Hi
Thanks for the advice.I had tried fiddling with the button, but to no effect.I've tried again but no change. wondering if the switch has failed (maybe bypass it?) or is the gear lever a possibility?

 

[V12]

Dimmer switches do fail, can be checked easily with a multimeter.

 

[stephen coy]

Dimmer switches do fail, can be checked easily with a multimeter.

Yes, my thoughts as well.The tricky part might be removing the binnacle.It looks like it may have to be prised out.With the w123 ce the only way I could get that binnacle out was to get my hands, from underneath, behind it and push it out. Eventually it shifted. Getting it back in one piece was a bigger challange again.

 

[V12]

124s are easier to get out than 123s. With the right technique you don't even need any tools. (5 years at merc breakers taught me that technique!)

 

[stephen coy]

124s are easier to get out than 123s. With the right technique you don't even need any tools. (5 years at merc breakers taught me that technique!)

Thanks for the info' ( I guess you either carefully prise it out from around the edges or again from behind)

Good news for me is that I tried turning the trip button forwards and backwards again on the way to work this morning and the dash lights are on again !

 

[stwat]

I don't know whether it's the same on the W124 but on the w201 there is a fuse on the back of the clocks which when blown gives the same symptoms as yours. It looks like a bulb holder but is red.

 

[stephen coy]

I don't know whether it's the same on the W124 but on the w201 there is a fuse on the back of the clocks which when blown gives the same symptoms as yours. It looks like a bulb holder but is red.

Thanks for that info'The lights are back on again, maybe contacts inside the dimmer had oxidised-adjusting the dimmer over again seems to eventually have put them right. If the fault comes back and the binnacle has to come out, I'll bear that in mind.

 

[V12]

Thanks for the info' ( I guess you either carefully prise it out from around the edges or again from behind)

Good news for me is that I tried turning the trip button forwards and backwards again on the way to work this morning and the dash lights are on again !

Technique for future reference.

-Two hands flat on the bottom of the clocks push down as hard as you can while pulling your fingers outwards. Won't pull all the way, sometimes just 10mm to start with.
- One hand at either edge of the clocks on the flat upright inner edges, same method again, just plenty of pressure to give you the friction.

Then you should be able to get a good hold or the rim to pull it all the way out. If yours is to tight, it's the old coathanger trick to hook it out