Courtesy Light problem!!

[Gozling2]

Hi Guys.
Hope some one can shed some light (no pun intended) on a possible wee problem I am having at the moment, MB 02 plate Vaneo 1.6 man (non AC), the interior courtesy light has started to show a very dim red light when the ignition key is inserted and turned to the no 2 position or whilst the engine is running, have noticed it for 2 days now, makes no difference if head or sidelights are on or off, I have removed the lamp cover and there are 2 small red bulbs either side of the bullet bulb for the interior courtesy light, So my questions are "what are the red bulbs for and what activates them and how do I de- activate them?, hope you can "shed some light" on this for me.

Goz

 

[jberks]

It's always been there. You've discovered the ambient interor lighting feature. Those led's just glow gently inside the car to give a bit of background illumination. It isn't obtrusive and most mercs (and most BM*s fro that matter) have them. There is one under the mirror on the E class and its so subtle it took several weeks to realise it was there, but in the pitch dark it lets you see the whole dash and you can just about read by it. I only realised when I drove into a dark garage yet still seemed to be getting the glow from the street light. So, you're not alone in not realising it was there but it is supposed to be so I'd suggest carefully putting it all back together and remarking how clever those Germans are. Are your interior door handles illuminated too? Mine are ...;-)

 

[Gozling2]

Many thanks Jberks, I have had the Vaneo from new and must admit I have never noticed the light before so thought that there could possibly be something earthing/shorting in the headlining, so thanks for putting my worries to rest, door handles aren't illuminated, cheers again Jberks

Goz