What's This For?

[revrevrev]

Hi Friends-
Under the hood of my 1964 230sl - right next to the fuses - there's some kind of port - it's covered by a spring loaded cap - and it's the size of something you might plug a cable into - see photo -
Any idea what it is?
Chris+

[FGN59]

Under the cap is a socket where you can plug in an (optional) lamp to help you see what’s what in the darker corners of the engine compartment

[revrevrev]

Very cool - are these lamps still around?

[Hans2012]

This is an example pf the trouble light.  They are available on eBay from time to time. 

Regards
John

[Pawel66]

You can buy the type of plug that fits there too. It is one of the standards, not so commonly used, but it is there.

[Hans2012]

Here is another photo of the trouble light in its original packaging. 

John

[zak]

I want one.

[Cees Klumper]

I use that socket to plug in my trickle charger. Since it's always connected to the battery, the charging current can also flow through there.

[GM]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254706568460

[thelews]

It's for more than a trouble lamp, it's for anything that you want to power from a source in the engine bay with the proper plug.  I use it in winter to keep my battery up to snuff with a battery maintainer.

[ScouseJames]

Hi,
I found a lamp online and was very pleased to find it works (but I carry an LED torch as well).  A good accessory if you can find one.

[Mike Hughes]

It's for more than a trouble lamp, it's for anything that you want to power from a source in the engine bay with the proper plug.  I use it in winter to keep my battery up to snuff with a battery maintainer.

Many BMW motorcycles come equipped with a similar power port and the plugs are available from many motorcycle parts and accessory vendors.   Google "BMW style plug" and you will find a few listings.  I got my Firstgear brand accessory plug, manufactured by a company called Warm & Safe Heated Gear, LLC, from these guys a few years ago to use with my Battery Tender (no affiliation with Adventure Designs, just buy the occasional part from them):

https://www.advdesigns.com/stgepopl.html?scid=scbplpstgepopl&sc_intid=stgepopl&msclkid=abda91ec329f1b0313e5f186762927eb&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SC%20-%20Shopping%20-%20General&utm_term=4581183926182470&utm_content=All%20Products

[ChrisInNashville]

I thought I’d lost mine.  Than found it two days after buying another on eBay.  Let me know if you want to buy it.