Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: balimatharu on February 09, 2021, 22:01:04
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Slightly puzzled with the courtesy light. Might need patience to read all and I hope it makes sense
The light comes on when switched from the little switch incorporated in the light. The door switches don’t switch the light on. On examination found that the two wires coming from the door switches have been disconnected and taped off from the light.
These wires power up when door is opened. When I connect these wires to the third terminal on the light everything works fine.
My problem is, where I connected the door wiring, this terminal on the light is part of the light retaining clip. This clip is engaging to the aluminium panel. In other words it would cause a short circuit when the door is open.
Doesn’t sound right. I am attaching couple of photos. I have put white, red and blue markings hopefully I might be able to explain better.
The earth wire goes on the white terminal, the permanent live goes to the blue terminal and the wires from the doors goes to the red. Works well. But may cause short circuit if I push the light into its gap.
Looks the original light. I wonder why were the door wires disconnected by the previous owner.
Please help.
Bali
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Photos attached
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These two connectors are where the power comes - permanent and from switches. The far one is the ground. I do not have this light in front of me, but I recall the spring to be on one side - on the ground side. The two connectors side is held just by notches in plastic in a little "wall" behind those connectors. I see the spring on connectors side, which may be the wrong side...
If that is wrong - sorry, please correct me.
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Difficult to suggest what is wrong with your switch since it is an aftermarket that may be sitting in the wrong frame (or trim ring).
Here are photos of the lamp - an excellent reproduction of the NLA original:
https://www.authenticclassics.com/Original-Interior-Lamp-Mercedes-230SL-250SL-280SL-p/auth-002649.htm
Note the spring loaded bullet pin at the ends.
Here are photos of the frame/trim ring:
https://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-Interior-Lamp-Dash-Trim-Ring-Early-p/auth-003065.htm
The one for a 280SL has longer tabs because of the thicker insulation:
https://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-Interior-Lamp-Dash-Trim-Ring-Late-type-p/auth-003778.htm
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Then the way of holding I remember suggests I have an aftermarket light too. The chromed frame holds on its own. The spring is on the negative side.
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Bali , maybe its not the orig. doorswitch : they come in different sorts for different cars. (internals)
Mark
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Pawel , Alfred and Mark.
Thanks for the comments. I thought the light I have is the original but it is not. After seeing the photos I understood the problem.
The retaining spring is on the wrong side that’s is why the previous owner disconnected the wires. Will order a new light.
Thank you all for the help. Magic of the forums.
Bali
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Bali, for info ; original lights have chrome , repro's dont.
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Hi Bali,
Some pictures how to connect. (pls. note 280SL)
^Peter
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Peter
It has been established that the light is not made for our cars. The retainer spring is on the wrong side.
Thanks
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Bali, for info ; original lights have chrome , repro's dont.
It depends which repro you have in mind. Those from Authentic do have a chromed edge.
Note the date stamps in my photo and in Peter's and the melting spot in my original. Better to use a low heat LED bulb.
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Thanks Alfred
Good suggestion for the LED bulb. The one with the chrome ring looks better.
I will try to source locally first.
Bali
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Not sure if this will helpful but that light was also used in some volkswagons. I was looking for one and found it as a volkswagon part. not expensive. Replaced mine and it works fine
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OE Volkswagen or aftermarket? If you had any link at hand, might be useful, thank you for saying that!
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Hi,
just search with google for e.g. "innenleuchte vw käfer".
...WRe
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Yes, should have done that, thank you!