strange ign red light stiuation.

[Paul99]

Strange thing with the ign light on my '66 230. 

Noticed when i turned on the ignition the red ign light didn't come on.  I did the usual things like tap the screen to see if the bulb would light, but it didn't, so thought "i need to replace the bulb".

I started the car fine, backed it out of the garage and turned off the engine/ign to close the garage etc.  Went back to start the car, red ign light came on as usual, went out once I started the car as it should.

This has happened a few times now.  Cant understand why when cold or first time to start the car the red ign bulb wont light, but second time of starting a few mins later, perfect?    Charging seems fine, cleaned all the relay connections etc.  Could be the bulb I guess but its such a pain to replace thought I would ask the question first.

Any ideas please?

Paul.

[ja17]

Check your wire connections at the alternator and the voltage regulator. It's probably not the bulb. A bad bulb is usually consistently bad.

[PSB]

I have exactos the dá-me problem with my 1965 230SL..... States after it sent for a Service early this year....the oil pressure needle also seems to be at max whenever I switch the car on. Unfortunately every time it goes in for a service something "minor " but new seems to go wrong

[Xhafer Orhan]

Paul:  Can you tell me how to get at the charging bulb in the dash so I can test it to see if it is OK?  Understand that the alternator will not charge if this bulb is burned out.  Thank you,Jeff............

[ja17]

It is a big job to get to the bulb in the dash. However you should be able to test the bulb by disconnecting the wiring harness plug for the center cluster and use an ohm meter or a 12 v. test light to check the bulb by using the plug connections. The plug for the center cluster is easy to access, from under the dash. A little research is required to find the correct  pin to test the dash light.

[Xhafer Orhan]

Thanks Joe

[Pawel66]

In case you have to remove the instrument cluster - you will find procedure for that on the forum.

If you are there - I would replace all the bulbs.