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Author Topic: Auto shift gate lighting  (Read 3906 times)

juhaolavi2011

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Auto shift gate lighting
« on: August 28, 2015, 19:13:56 »
I am sorting out wiring for my -69 SL280. Previous owner has for some reason cut the wire that connects the shift gate lighting. Shift gate light is not visible on the wiring diagram. Has anyone wrestled with the same problem recently and could help me get my shift gate illuminated again?

Juha
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scoot

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Re: Auto shift gate lighting
« Reply #1 on: August 29, 2015, 14:15:30 »
My recollection from other cars is that it just taps into the panel lighting and is controlled by the panel dimmer like all the other lighting.  But on a Pagoda I don't now where the best place to tap in would be.
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Scott Allen
'67 250 SL (early)
Altadena, California

Iconic

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Re: Auto shift gate lighting
« Reply #2 on: August 29, 2015, 18:00:00 »
Juha,
First post ??
Welcome !
Try the technical manual:
http://www.sl113.org/wiki/TransmissionClutch/Shifter#Auto_ShiftGate
I believe you'll see something on that page that helps.
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1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

juhaolavi2011

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Re: Auto shift gate lighting
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2015, 19:10:40 »
Iconic, this was my first post and thank you for the link. I have been following the discussions for some time now, I got my SL few years ago. Just haven't had the time before to work on it. I did check the link, but it focuses unfortunately more on the shift gate itself and does not discuss the wiring.

Scoot, thanks for the reply. I will start looking for the best place to tap the shift gate lighting into the panel lighting. This seems to be a difficult topic, I searched all the older posts and this has been a topic before with no clear answers. 
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Iconic

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Re: Auto shift gate lighting
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2015, 19:50:12 »
I can tell you it is not on the circuit with the dash lights, because it does not dim when the dash lights are adjusted down. Others can check me on this, but I believe I have non-altered wiring.
Also, I can tell you it goes on when the parking lights are on, so it is on that circuit.
Get power from anywhere on the parking light circuit, and ground it and you are all set .... unless you are looking for an "original" connection to the harness.
This is all free advice, so be careful with it.
Maybe the experts have something to add or alter from what I said.
Enjoy the ride !
Mark
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1970 280 SL Automatic, USA version, Grey-Blue (906G/906G), Blue leather (245)
1968 SS396 Camaro Convertible (owned since 1977 -- my first car :D)
1984 Porsche Euro Carrera coupe, LSD, SlateBlueMet/Blue
1998 BMW M-Rdstr Estoril Blue
1970 280 SL Automatic, Anthracite Grey-173G, Red Interior-132 - sold

juhaolavi2011

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Re: Auto shift gate lighting
« Reply #5 on: August 29, 2015, 20:59:21 »
Thank you, Mark. While experts are forming their views, I will follow your advice and tap on the parking light circuit.
Juha
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