Author Topic: Head Lamp Switch question  (Read 2321 times)

GW230SL

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Head Lamp Switch question
« on: September 13, 2021, 17:15:54 »
Just purchased a 65 230, Swapping out the US AC style headlamps with Euro's, but the fog lamps that are within the headlamp on the either unit do not work when I pull the dash switch out as they are supposed to. New bulbs and when I bypass the switch with direct power they work.  My question is, Is this possibly a bad dash switch (before I order one) or is there something I'm missing?  Thanks, GS
Greg W Smith, Pawleys Island SC
1965 230 SL
2018 AMG GTC
2018 AMG GTR
2021 AMG GLS

Pawel66

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2021, 18:43:04 »
Perhaps worth checking against this: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Lightswitch#Headlight

Have you pulled and turned the switch once or twice or just pulled or just pulled and turned once?

Can your car have it disconnected due to regulations?
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

MikeSimon

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2021, 21:26:10 »
Don't know if that is the issue, but in the Euro headlamps, the fog lights must only work with the low beam. Sometimes it is done by means of a relay, sometimes it is done within the light switch
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

Pawel66

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2021, 05:38:16 »
Don't know if that is the issue, but in the Euro headlamps, the fog lights must only work with the low beam. Sometimes it is done by means of a relay, sometimes it is done within the light switch

Yes! i forgot about it - it is powered only when low beam headlights are on. The same applies to the rear fog light - it comes on when the headlights are on only, at least in my car.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

GW230SL

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2021, 14:57:31 »
Thanks to all.  I got back at it and Im thinking I have a bad light switch.  Parking lights in the left two clicks dont work either.  Tried fog lamps with low beams on, doesnt work either.  Ignition on or off same thing.

Greg W Smith, Pawleys Island SC
1965 230 SL
2018 AMG GTC
2018 AMG GTR
2021 AMG GLS

GW230SL

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2021, 17:30:55 »
Thanks, yes I pulled out the fog switch and turned it to low beam, in the 2nd to right position.  Nothing happens.  Now I have put my hand on the back of the switch and the park lights just started working.  The problem with these at it has 12 wires running to the switch, and theyre old and stiff.  Getting to them the switch to replace is not going to be easy.

I do have another question, does anyones Alternator light stay on while running?  This hasn't killed the battery yet but i havent been driving at night.  Just wondering if it sounds like we need a new Alternator, or is this a some what common issue.  Thanks G
Greg W Smith, Pawleys Island SC
1965 230 SL
2018 AMG GTC
2018 AMG GTR
2021 AMG GLS

Jonny B

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #6 on: September 15, 2021, 15:11:04 »
The alternator light should not be on while driving.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor

Pawel66

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #7 on: September 15, 2021, 19:29:52 »
May happen it will slightly light up when you have a very slow idle, but close to 750rpm it should disappear. If it is lit during driving - you have no charging of the battery.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

WRe

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2021, 06:56:45 »
Hi,
if a diode in the alternator is defective, the charge control lamp is glowing when driving but not at full brightness.
...WRe

GW230SL

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #9 on: September 20, 2021, 01:11:05 »
Thanks, as I would expect
Greg W Smith, Pawleys Island SC
1965 230 SL
2018 AMG GTC
2018 AMG GTR
2021 AMG GLS

GW230SL

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Re: Head Lamp Switch question
« Reply #10 on: September 20, 2021, 01:17:09 »
i appreciate all the help.  Great to have such a group for assistance. 
Greg W Smith, Pawleys Island SC
1965 230 SL
2018 AMG GTC
2018 AMG GTR
2021 AMG GLS