Dim Instrument Panel

[Eryck]

While there is light, my instrument panel is very dim at night. Is this a common problem? Will replacing all the bulbs help?

1965 230 SL White Manual
Hong Kong

[Cees Klumper]

Does the rheostat still work ? This is the small knob that should regulate the intensity of the lights. Sometimes they become faulty or are bypassed altogether. If the problem is not with the rheostat, changing the wattage of the bulbs will certainly have an effect.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[rwmastel]

Eryck,
I think the common perception is that even when using the rheostat to turn the lights up all the way, they are still not as bright as modern cars.  I believe there are light bulb upgrades, search the forum.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[jeffc280sl]

Does the rheostat dim or increase the intensity of the dash lights?  Mine was intermittent (on/off) at best and had no dimming capability.  Lamps were full on or off.  I had one bad bulb which I replaced.  I also repaired the rheostat.  You need to take the center gauge out.  Repair to the rheostat can be accomplished without removing the glass.  My rheostat (spring) was detatched at one end from one of the terminals.  I was able to solder this end and get the rheostat working again.  I have pics if it would help.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[Eryck]

Thanks, gents, for all the help. Yes, Jeff, if not too much trouble, a couple of pictures will certainly help. Thanks in advance.

1965 230 SL White Manual
Hong Kong

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Lax882@aol.com

Does the rheostat dim or increase the intensity of the dash lights?

Yes, otherwise we would call it a toggle.  

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[jeffc280sl]

Thanks Rodd,

I'm sure you are trying to help.  My question was for Eyrck.  I was trying to determine if he has any dimmer contol at all.  I suppose my previously broken rheostat functioned as a toggle switch since it was either off or on.  It works great now.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[rwmastel]

Sorry Jeff!  I thought it was a general question, not a troubleshooting step for Eryck.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[n/a]

I pulled out the center instrument cluster and sprayed some tuner cleaner/lubricant into the rheostat.  The rheostat has worked trouble free for several years now.

Where do you live in HKG?  I just flew back from there and go there all the time.  I am a UPS pilot.
Kevin Keller

[Eryck]

Thanks for all the advice. Gotta be frank with you guys. I don't even know what a rheostat is. But will find out soon!

Hi Kevin,

I live on Magazine Gap Road in the mid-levels.  Let me know the next time you are in town so that I can buy you a beer!

1965 230 SL White Manual
Hong Kong

[A Dalton]

Originally posted by Eryck

Thanks for all the advice. Gotta be frank with you guys. I don't even know what a rheostat is. But will find out soon!

 It is a mechanically variable ,wire-wound resistor..