230ce w123 Sunroof & dash light

[xan]

Hi,

The factory sunroof on my 1983 230ce has stopped working. Nothing happens when I hit the switch - no noise or anything. I've checked the fuse but it seems ok. Does anyone have any ideas? Luckily it was closed when it packed up.

Secondly, I've no light on my dashboard. I presume the bulb's gone. I haven't a workshop manual so don't know how to go about replacing it.

Thanks.
Xan

 

[tom7035]

Panel lights.

Your speedo trip meter control may also be your panel light rheostat switch. May be off!

 

[tom7035]

Sunroof n/o

As for your sunroof, sounds like no power. If it isn't an obvious fault like a blown fuse, try removing every relay switch on the car, including any which are contained in a box with screwed down lid, and spraying the terminals with electrical contact cleaner (this stuff would appear to be a 'must' in a Merc toolkit). The same with your fuse box, spray it then 'wiggle' the fuses around a bit in their sockets - see what happens.
I've been having a field day lately curing all sorts of problems by this method!
Worth a try and only takes a few minutes.
Good luck & keep us posted. Tom.

P.S. For future ref., I think you will have an emergency manual operation in the boot. I'd also advise a handbook. Cheers.

 

[TimN]

The instrument cluster illumination works from either the left or right side lights. (I can't remember which side). Check that all side light are working. This will establish if it is a fuse problem. If one side has failed but the fuse looks okay ther will inevitably be corrosion in the fuse holder. Rotate the fuse in it's holder to see if you can re-establish electrical contact.

If still no problem and the twidling of the knob on the cluster does not work then you most likely have coorosion in the variable resistor (the thing inside the cluster to which the knob is attached). The simplist solution is to solder a piece of wire accross the two poles inside the cluster. Specially if like me you like your instrumentation panel lights bright.

As far as you sunroof goes I would check connections and bypass the earth with a piece of wire to see if you have a bad earth. Do the same test with the fuse by rotating it. Some times the caps on the european type fuse fracture so the loose continuity but are not obvious like a burnt out fuse.

 

[pascal]

I would go a little further, Your car is 22 years new. Replace all the fuses(a few bob) and clean contacts with contact cleaner. If this does not solve your problem, it will be a preventavive cure for future problems.

 

[xan]

thanks

Cheers - I'll give a go and let you know what happens.

Xan

 

[xan]

Result!

I replaced all fuses and cleaned the fuse box with the electrical contact cleaner, and it did the trick with the sunroof.

No joy with the dash light however. The sidelights all work still, and juggling the speedo trip does nothing. I can only assume it's the bulb. Until its next service I'll have to get by with a candle resting on the steering column.

Thanks for your help.

 

[pascal]

Should last another 22 years so xan.

As a matter of interest, what was the total cost of fuse replacement & contact cleaner.

 

[xan]

Contact cleaner was £3.50, fuses about £4, all from Halfords. Only a ten minute job.