CL light stays on

[mitch33]

I have recently taken charge of a 280SL.

The red light in the CL dashboard window (alternator light?) stays on even after I have taken keys out.  I Have disconnected the battery but would obviously like to understand if I have a problem and if so what to do.

Also I am having problems closing the bonnet.  I can push flush but it wont click or stay closed.

Would be grateful for any help.

Thanks

[Larry & Norma]

Are you sure the red light is not the brake fluid light. This doubles as a door open indication to show the bulb is working.
This will light up with any door open and the ignition off.

[knockmacool]

Mitch

On my 230sl I need to push the release handle for the bonnet back into  place for the bonnet to shut.

Drew

[Jonny B]

The topic with the brake fluid light has been discussed a number of times. To get more specifics go to the search function, use "brake fluid light" and set it to search all of the message (the default). You will get a number of hits that review the set up.

[mitch33]

Thanks for swift replies.

Pleased to say that hood problem is now sorted.

The light I referred to earlier is still on (although I have disconnected the battery for now) and is the top light in a bank of three in the instrument panel.  I will try and get a photo.  I have tried the courtesy light switches even though there is no light fitted.

There is a photo of the exact light attached and according to the post connected to this, would appear to be the alternator light.  If so I am puzzled as to why it only comes on when the engine is switched off (doors are also closed).

[Garry]

Mitch
 Have you checked the float in the brake fluid reservoir as you will need to read the postings on the brake fluid float/warning light where it talks about the float sinking to the bottom of the brake fluid (pin hole in it) reservoir and causing the light to come on because its thinking that there is no fluid.

[mitch33]

Garry
Thanks.  Will have a look in the morning and let you know how I get on.

[mitch33]

Have posted this earlier but doesn't seem to have uploaded.  Anyway the brake fluid float seems ok, nothing obvious.  The funny thing is that I took out each fuse so as to try and eliminate possible reasons but the light stayed on all the while.  Stays on even with keys out of the ignition and both doors closed.  The only time it goes out is when the engine is running - or I disconnect the battery as I am afraid of the battery draining away.

David

[al_lieffring]

It sounds like you have a diode problem inside the alternator.

[mitch33]

Thanks Al

Is this serious?

[al_lieffring]

When the rectifier diodes fail in the alternator it will have less charging capacity, or not be charging at all. Take the car to a shop and have the charging system tested. Most likely the cost of replacing the rectifyer bridge (diodes) will be about the same as having a Bosch exchange alternator installed.

[mitch33]

Thanks Al
Sounds very helpful, I'll take her to the garage.

best

David