Do you know where this plugs into?

[Jim Donati]

The panel under the driver's side of my dashboard fell down today on my 1970 280SL.   I went to put the panel back in place, but when I did, I noticed there was a bundle of wires with a 2 prong connector that was not connected to anything.  I did not see anything that looked like this could plug into.

Is this connector (see photos) supposed to be plugged in somewhere, or is it something that is there for service technicians to connect diagnostic equipment to?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Jonny B]

I would not be for diagnostics. The only electronics on these cars (the earlier ones anyway)  would be the radio! If yours is an electronic ignition car that would be further electronics, but very rudimentary, no diagnostics.

If there was restoration work done, could it have been from the door open light? That is, might a previous owner just tuck it up under the dash to get it out of the way??

Does the light under the dash to the right of the steering wheel (under the dash) go on/off with the door open?? Or the red light on the dash in the center cluster?

[Pawel66]

Cannot see if there is a plug on the brake light switch, is there?

[Tyler S]

I think Jonny may be onto something.
The only other thing that would be in that area would be a clutch pedal switch on a manual trans car. But yours being auto ot wouldnt have this.

[450sl]

Doorswitch?

[Jim Donati]

Jonny B, thanks for your suggestions, but the door light and the red light on the dash both come one when I open the door.

Also, thanks to Pawel66, but my brake lights work when the ignition is on and I step on the brakes.

Anybody else have any ideas what this connector should be used for?

[450sl]

High Low beam?

[Jim Donati]

Nope, High/Low beams work properly.
These are good suggestions,  Keep them comming.

[scoot]

Cigarette lighter.

[Jim Donati]

Another good suggestion, but the Cig lighter works, as does the radio, air cond fan and the heater/defroster fan. Clock works, all exterior clearance lights, turn signals, headlights, etc.   I just cannot think what it could possible go to.

[450sl]

Brakelight  kickdown

[Jim Donati]

I am not sure what you mean by "Brakelight Kickdown" but I do know that my brake lights are working.

[rgafitanu@gmail.com]

Do pagodas have a rear dome light? My W111 coupe has a rear dome light and the switch is located to the far left of the steering wheel on the dash with a connector like that.

[Jim Donati]

My hardtop has no lights, but I have seen ones with some electrical.  I can’t remember if it was a dome light or a center brake light that I saw and I don’t  know if that was a factory option or an aftermarket addition.

[Pawel66]

I think this socket is not there.

 

I was trying to think across the devices in this area, but it does not hold, really:
- washer pump - other side of fire wall
- kick-down switch - other side of firewall
- trouble light socket - does not have this type of connector, I think
- I thought heated rear window - but original installation (yes, it goes that way) does not have this connector in that place, there is just connector in B-pillar

Maybe somebody just connected some accessory there? Additional switch?

[Jim Donati]

Possibly.  Given that everything seems to be working correctly, and I cannot find any receptable where it could possibly plug into, I guess I will just replace the panel cover and tuck the connector behind it.

Thanks everyone for trying.

Jim

[waltklatt]

Jim,
What color are the wires in the plug?
Walter

[Jim Donati]

I did not notice what color the wires were before I buttoned it all back up.   The connections is not visible now, but I can remove the panel and look tomorrow if you think it might some this mystery. 

[Naj ✝︎]

Hi,
On the 70/71 SLs, there is a “key in ignition” buzzer which sounds when you open the drivers door with key in ignition.
The switch for the buzzer is located behind the ignition barrel.

Could be plug for that switch.

Naj

[450sl]

Or the plug that goes under the car in a bracket , connecting gearboxswitches..

[Tyler S]

Or the Buzzer itself. Someone didnt like the sound so unplugged and removed it. Have a read here. The location of the plug makes sense.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6596.0

[Benz Dr.]

Or the Buzzer itself. Someone didnt like the sound so unplugged and removed it. Have a read here. The location of the plug makes sense.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=6596.0

That makes the most sense since anything under the car or further away would have a longer lead on the wire.

[Jonny B]

Another check would be to pull the door open sensor in the A pillar between the door hinges. On my car, this switch has four male connectors.

One for the light and one for the buzzer?

[Jim Donati]

I have never heard a buzzer in my car since I purchased it 10 years ago.   If vehicles of my date of production and delivered to the U.S. in fact had door buzzers, it sounds logical that is what this mystery plug goes to.   I have no desire to put it back in, and everything else is working, so I’m good as it is.

Thanks everyone

Jim

[Peter van Es]

Donati,

I have the same plug, at the same location in my 1970 280SL. And no, it's not connected to anything. I'll go and have a sleuth using an ohmmeter to see if I can figure something out.

Won't be this week though...

Peter