Hazard warning lights and brake fluid low warning

[Cees Klumper]

Neither of these function in my car. All the fuses are OK.

Question one: how difficult would it be to change the low brake fluid bulb without taking the central instrument cluster out? Other tips on how to check the wiring etc., without removing the cluster?

Question two: is there a hazard warning lights relay somewhere? If so, where is it located? If not, what could be the problem?

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Naj ✝︎]

Cees,
Virtually impossible to replace a bulb in the center cluster without taking it out.
Start by checking the door switch. It simply pulls out of the door jamb. Should be a 2 core wire on it with 2 pin plug. If thats in place and one of the wire is live (can test with a test lamp etc.), then it could be the bulb. Jumping the two wires in the plug should light up the bulb as well (showing faulty door switch).
From the brake fluid float switch, you can remove either connector and just jump the two pins in the plug - that should turn the light on (with ign on!) as thats exactly what the float switch does - connect those two wires.
Have you got light yet??
The float switch would have to be removed or fluid drained to ensure that it is operative.
Did your car ever have hazard flashers? I believe in those days, the hazard flasher unit was separate from the indicator flasher (and I think the flasher unit/hazard switch were one unit).
My '68 280 never had hazard flashers. I have fitted a Hella unit which is combined flasher unit/switch but the knob on it is not Mercedes looking, so I mounted it under the dash.
This any help?
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks very much Naj.
Just got back from the garage. On the low brake fluid light: the door switch is good, since the interior light comes on. I reckon it's the bulb in the instrument cluster that is toast. I will save this chore for later ...
On the hazard warning switch: just on the left of the steering column there is a pull-out knob, with a red center. Looks 'Mercedes' and looks like it is supposed to be there. I just looked at the wiring diagram in the Haynes manual for the 280 SL and there's no mention of it anywhere. I guess I will have to attack that one when the center instrument cluster is out (the glass on that needs a cleaning on the inside too). So far, mission unaccomplished :-(

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[Ricardo]

Cees
My '67 euro 250 has the hazard warning light that you describe, and I too wondered if it was a factory switch.... I was surprised to discover it only works with the ignition key turned on...that doesn't seem right does it ?
Ricardo

[knirk]

Cees,

I have the same hazard warning switch as you describe in my 69 280 sl serial no 7422. You can see it on my hompage under "interior".

Per G. Birkeland
69 280 sl aut 834
Norway