SL500 W129 Various Bulb Replacement

[davidsl500]

I need to replace certain bulbs on my new toy and I wonder whether you old hands could give me some guidance.

Both Passenger side vanity mirror bulbs need replacing and I wonder what the correct procedure is to get at them - i am loathed to prise the visor apart with a flat blade unless someone confirms this is the method !

I also need to replace the bulb in the gear selector and i have read various bits about this in other threads but do not understand the removal process for the surrounding wooden facia which appears to be a one piece construction running from the central ashtray all the way to the dash.

My last bulb replacement is the one illuminating (or rather not illuminating!) the LCD display for the single wheel climate control. Does the rectangular climate control panel clip out in some way to give access?

If someone could assist me with guides to these replacements I would be very grateful and no longer in the dark....(pun very much intended)

 

[landover]

The sunblind mirror bulbs can be replaced with just removing the front facia at mirror.[use flate blade screwdriver] If you look back the posts it will tell you in detail how to remove the centre panel at gearshift.

 

[davidsl500]

thanks

thanks for the confidence boost re the visor lamps, one flat blade later and 2 festoons replaced. trouble is they still dont work ! Microswitch seems faulty cause if i short the legs of the switch the lamps work. i presume this is a pretty standard fitment so a trip to the breakers is called for.. might try splitting the switch open first..

i still cant get my head round the bulb replacement for the selector - the threads suggest that after removing the housing trim the next thing to remove is the wooden facia, i'll read it again and again..

 

[peterchurch]

Hi,
I had this problem with my driver side one. There is a copper contact on the hinges. Apply a little up-ward pressure to the bottom one while moving the visor up and down, gently (have the mirror flap open). If the light comes on you have found the issue. Try cleaning them and bending the clamp up slightly

Regards,

Peter

 

[webby]

Hi David,

I posted a reply on this website to another guy on how to remove the centre console trim, but just in case you can't find it I'll try again...the other one might be worded better!

1) Remove radio.
2) Remove climate control unit, once you have removed the radio you can get your hand behind the unit and it will push out.
3) Open the storage compartment below the radio and you will find one screw nearest the gear change in the centre, remove this.
4) The sides of the trim in the compartment can now be folded inwards, do this and remove the trim.
5) You will now see 2 screws attaching the centre console, remove these.
6) Now lift the centre console just a little, this will losen the gear lever surround, you can now remove the surround, it just clips in place.
7) Now you can lift the trim off, take care to remove the connections to the switches.

As for the climate control unit, you can open it a screwdriver to lever up the various tabs that holds the top on (remember to remove the little plastic rod that goes though the temp. control knob first)
Inside you can then see the bulb, im not sure if it's a straight swap or you might have to solder it in place.

I hope this helps

Webby

 

[davidsl500]

Thanks Webby

Almost there !

I have removed the radio, climate control, undone the one screw, took out the trim,undone the two screws below the trim and now it should be a simple matter of lifting the console up a little - hmm.... The right hand side seems a little loose but the left hand side seems to be stuck firm (got the plastic gear surround out okay). Dont really want to force it - is there a clip I am missing or something? Help!

 

[davidsl500]

Done It !

and finally.....lifted the console a little and then pulled it backwards and hey presto its free ! Changed the bulb and all is well.

Incidently the bulb that lights the lcd for the climate control slots into the rear of the front facia of the control box - no need to take it apart like i did - duh!

The LCD Screen now just says HI which is very polite but not what I had before. I know it only works with the engine running and cant say I have ever looked at it after just starting the engine so dont know yet whether this is normal or not. I would have taken the car out for a run to see whether it displyayed the temperature as it normally does after a bit but it was raining so I didnt (how sad is that!)

 

[webby]

Glad I could be of help, sorry about the climate control, I never realised you could just remove the bulb, well we live and learn.
As regards the climate control display, I think you have the temp. control set to Max. (High), try moving the knob and see if the display works.

Have fun

Webby

 

[davidsl500]

Sorted !

Worked out problem with the climate control reading HI. Bit heavy handed removing the temp control knob spindle and hadnt noticed that i had broke the last 5mm or so off the spendle - the bit that locates into the variable pot. Twindling the knob therefore had no effect as it was not engaged with the pot. Luckily i found the tip to the spindle and god bless superglue !! Now working again !! Thanks Webby for your help

 

[webby]

No Worries David,

I did the same with my temp control, that's why I said remove the rod before you open the unit, but least you know now.
I made a new one from 2 cable ties cut to size which has been fine for the last 6 months.

I you think I can help again please shout

Webby