[mlrb2113]

I got every light, interior & exterior, working on my '97 SL500 except the one that illuminates the rectangular blue button between the 2 dash ("center") vents. The red button is illuminated and both buttons show the little round lights when the buttons are pressed. I'm reasonably sure there's 2 seperate bulbs for each button.

My indy says you can't replace these bulbs on a '97; you must buy the whole new module on a '97, costing mega k $. Probably right, but that would be the first irreplaceable bulb I've run across.
Can anyone tell me how I can at least see the bulb? I'm afraid to just try to pull the button out; won't even consider it unless somebody's actually done it

 

[aam]

I think that Lynn ( our moderator) had replace his a few a go.
He has posted how, pictures, and part numbers look for it.
His car is newer then yours.

Regards,
aam.

 

[wayneg]

I am sure the write up by Lynns is for the centre vent wheel bulbs, not the two Hot/Cold switches with the red and blue indicators.

 

[mlrb2113]

I think that Lynn ( our moderator) had replace his a few a go.
He has posted how, pictures, and part numbers look for it.
His car is newer then yours.

Regards,
aam.

I tried again and still couldn't find anything. Frankly, I never had much luck with our "search" function. Can you suggest the key words?
Or maybe he'd care to enlighten me.

 

[wayneg]

I tried again and still couldn't find anything. Frankly, I never had much luck with our "search" function. Can you suggest the key words?
Or maybe he'd care to enlighten me.

Here is the thread mentioned. As I said I dont think it is what you are after. I cannot recall these bulbs having a diy write-up but I am sure some one will know

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1266146-bulbs-climate-control-airflow-wheels.html
Edit
This maybe what you are after, A DIY on the centre vents with loads of pics on removal
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1317227-center-vents-slider-diy-repair-replace.html#post2352775

 

[mlrb2113]

Here is the thread mentioned. As I said I dont think it is what you are after. I cannot recall these bulbs having a diy write-up but I am sure some one will know

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1266146-bulbs-climate-control-airflow-wheels.html
Edit
This maybe what you are after, A DIY on the centre vents with loads of pics on removal
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1317227-center-vents-slider-diy-repair-replace.html#post2352775

Thanks a heap!!!
I think the first link is exactly what I'm after.
I didn't know the lines below the wheels were supposed to be lighted. All the lights are out in that area in mine except the red button. I think I might can handle popping out the narrow wheel panel and getting to at least some of them. Something I read said the blue button was lighted by one of the wheel bulbs.
I'll see tomorrow.

 

[wayneg]

I believe the Red and blue buttons denote hot or cold air to the centre vent, so only one will illuminate, either Red or Blue not both.

 

[mlrb2113]

I believe the Red and blue buttons denote hot or cold air to the centre vent, so only one will illuminate, either Red or Blue not both.

Both buttons are supposed to be lighted when the headlights are on. Each one has another little round spot that lights up, from a separate bulb, when you push that button.
I have learned that the wheel lines are supposed to be illuminated with the headlights on (mine aren't), that one or more of these bulbs also illuminate the blue (but not the red) button, and that I can get to these bulbs by carefully popping off the narrow panel below the vents.
The button that opens the little compartment where the telephone was doesn't ligh either, but I must watch the video to see how to reach it. If I get the others I could leave that one.

 

[mlrb2113]

Here is the thread mentioned. As I said I dont think it is what you are after. I cannot recall these bulbs having a diy write-up but I am sure some one will know

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1266146-bulbs-climate-control-airflow-wheels.html
Edit

Wonderful, Mr. Way. You couldn't have done better if I'd explained my problem so that you knew what you were looking for. And removal of the old bulbs with a piece of tubing was most ingenious. I tried with every pair of needle nose pliers and tweezers I had, and the tubing took all of 2 minutes.
I have a new similar bulb that I couldn't quite get in all the way, but it lighted with the headlights. I will get the correct ones tomorrow.
Now I only got to go after the one that lights the lock box arrow which is supposed to be on the video, which I haven't looked at yet.
I don't care that much about the unlighted arrow and will forget it if it's much trouble.
But hey! two out of three ain't bad.

P.S. Fwiw the width of the base of the old bulbs is 0.181" and the spare I have is 0.189".

 

[bsclifton]

Actually, check it out, this is WAY easier than anyone has mentioned

Bulbs are 1$ each, part # 002 544 02 94

The bottom tray area pops off very easily. You can remove the light bulbs with needle nose pliers. Literally takes 2 minutes to replace both bulbs.

 

[RKH]

Eyeglass storage

Sorry for sidetracking this thread as I am too lazy to post a picture.
I had factory hand free phone (that is useless analog type) so I had removed it from the compartment at the top of the vent. My compartment is too short for fit my (curved) sunglasses. I am wondering if your 'normal' eye glass compartment is like that or just my 'phone' compartment is short (the bottom of the box after removing the phone is flush with the opening).

 

[mlrb2113]

Actually, check it out, this is WAY easier than anyone has mentioned

Bulbs are 1$ each, part # 002 544 02 94

The bottom tray area pops off very easily. You can remove the light bulbs with needle nose pliers. Literally takes 2 minutes to replace both bulbs.

That's almost exactly what the link says (it may be from your website).
I tried with 4 different needle nose pliers and would have broken the bulbs if I'd squeezed any harder.The rubber tube was a snap (except getting the old bulbs out of it).
Also, the part# given 2 or 3 times is 072601012230.

 

[mlrb2113]

Hey Mr. Clifton:
I haven't looked at the video yet. I tried once and my anti-virus gave all kinds of warnings.
PLEASE tell me how to get the third (the arrow bulb) one out.:bowdown:

 

[mlrb2113]

Sorry for sidetracking this thread as I am too lazy to post a picture.
I had factory hand free phone (that is useless analog type) so I had removed it from the compartment at the top of the vent. My compartment is too short for fit my (curved) sunglasses. I am wondering if your 'normal' eye glass compartment is like that or just my 'phone' compartment is short (the bottom of the box after removing the phone is flush with the opening).

Mine had a phone, too; but I think they're all like that, from the pictures I've seen. Don't see how a larger compartment would fit.

 

[bsclifton]

That's almost exactly what the link says (it may be from your website).
I tried with 4 different needle nose pliers and would have broken the bulbs if I'd squeezed any harder.The rubber tube was a snap (except getting the old bulbs out of it).
Also, the part# given 2 or 3 times is 072601012230.

oops yeah sorry, the one I saw had the whole unit taken out. You are correct, the new part number is 072601012230 (I have notes saying this won't work on 1992 or earlier models)

Hey Mr. Clifton:
I haven't looked at the video yet. I tried once and my anti-virus gave all kinds of warnings.
PLEASE tell me how to get the third (the arrow bulb) one out.

The third one, you actually have to take the whole unit out (which is pretty easy actually)

Open the eyeglasses tray, there are two screws inside (one on each side) in the back (you'll need a long screwdriver).

Under the front part, where the front two bulbs are, has two screws, one on each side.

With those 4 screws taken out, you should be able to gently pull the whole unit out. The light bulb is on the right hand side, just behind where the key latch is

 

[mlrb2113]

oops yeah sorry, the one I saw had the whole unit taken out. You are correct, the new part number is 072601012230 (I have notes saying this won't work on 1992 or earlier models)


The third one, you actually have to take the whole unit out (which is pretty easy actually)

Open the eyeglasses tray, there are two screws inside (one on each side) in the back (you'll need a long screwdriver).

Under the front part, where the front two bulbs are, has two screws, one on each side.

With those 4 screws taken out, you should be able to gently pull the whole unit out. The light bulb is on the right hand side, just behind where the key latch is

I am deeply indebted to you, too. I know where those screws are and will get on it tomorrow.
I think that's the last light that's out and the last project I need to do to make my "like new" as best as can be.
I need to teach my indy about these lights. Would've charged me at least $100 if he'd known.

 

[RKH]

Should charge your Indy for it, or at least get some credit towards future repairs.

 

[lynns]

I got every light, interior & exterior, working on my '97 SL500 except the one that illuminates the rectangular blue button between the 2 dash ("center") vents. The red button is illuminated and both buttons show the little round lights when the buttons are pressed. I'm reasonably sure there's 2 seperate bulbs for each button.

I'm out of town so I don't have the thread that addresses your needs but I can confirm that when the lights are working properly per Bob Terry

"The buttons affect the temperature of the center vent air depending upon the circumstances.

Hot day
Blue button: no effect
Red button: no effect

Warm day
Blue button: no effect
Red button: center vent air is less cold but still cooler than air from the other vents.

Cool or cold day
Blue button: center vent air is cooler than air from the other vents.
Red button: no effect."

 

[bsclifton]

I am deeply indebted to you, too. I know where those screws are and will get on it tomorrow.
I think that's the last light that's out and the last project I need to do to make my "like new" as best as can be.
I need to teach my indy about these lights. Would've charged me at least $100 if he'd known.

Glad it helps! Lynns originally helped me find that out

I missed the thread posted earlier... I too was also quoted at dealer to replace the entire unit. I got the part number and bought a used unit from a pick-a-part yard and replaced it.

After replacing it, I noticed one of the lights didn't work either, which is when Lynns sent me the part # in a PM. Love this board

 

[lynns]

Actually, check it out, this is WAY easier than anyone has mentioned

Bulbs are 1$ each, part # 002 544 02 94

The bottom tray area pops off very easily. You can remove the light bulbs with needle nose pliers. Literally takes 2 minutes to replace both bulbs.

If you use needle nose pliers be very careful or buy an extra bulb just in case. One of the other members suggested that you get some same size rubber tubing from your local hardware store and put the rubber tubing over the bulb and pull it out. I used pliers and the bulbs broke with very little pressure.