R170 SLK 230 SE Lighting switch issue

[Mike Walker]

As above the bulb on the lighting switch bottom right on dashboard does not illuminate anymore.
Popped in to main dealer yesterday and chatted to parts dept. No replacement bulb shown on system and replacemnt unit is circa £300

Any sensible suggestions for a fix?

 

[Ted]

Are you sure it used to light up as a lot of them don't?

 

[Mike Walker]

Pretty sure. E240 Estate has similar and it does?

 

[whitenemesis]

Some do, most don't..

My 203 didn't until I retrofitted xenons and changed the switch.

My 219 doesn't and no bulbs to replace..

 

[SLKNick]

Mine doesn't light up except for the green and red fog lamp indicators bottom right. All the white markings around the switch are just screen painted on, you can feel them raised when you run your finger over them compared with the switches in the centre console. You can't see the switch when you are driving, so not much pint putting a light there!
2003 SLK 230 Kompressor.

 

[Mike Walker]

I'll stop worrying then.....

 

[SLKNick]

Apologies, driving home tonight I noticed that the knob on the switch does light up when the ignition is on. Definitely no illumination on the surrounding symbols.

 

[Mike Walker]

Time to start worrying again then..........

 

[whitenemesis]

I'd say that's pretty standard. The knob illuminates, showing the index line but the symbols around the knob don't. Except on my 203 with xenons, where everything lit up...

 

[Mike Walker]

So why doesn't my knob illuminate then?

 

[Howard]

Not gripping it hard enough ?

 

[Mike Walker]

Should I put a lamp in it?

 

[whitenemesis]

Might make your eyes water




Have you checked to see if the switch will accept a lamp?

 

[Mike Walker]

No but dealer says not - see OP.

 

[whitenemesis]

Yep, only lamp showing is for the rear fogs warning indicator

 

[BandyAndy]

Apologies, driving home tonight I noticed that the knob on the switch does light up when the ignition is on. Definitely no illumination on the surrounding symbols.

As above, same on the amg