JamesWestbrook

I bought myself an 08 c300 about a month ago and recently it has started going full Christine and turning on its lights randomly throughout the night and leaving me stranded in the morning..it was just the running lights, now it's gotten to the point to where its all lights, brakes and signals included. What in the works is happening? Any ideas are welcome..trust me.

Haffster

Is this happening while the car is parked?

JamesWestbrook

Yes. Once I jump it and take off, everything runs as normal.

Haffster

I should've been clearer in my question: presume this is happening when car is parked and everything has been turned off. If yes, this is obviously an electrical problem that you either need to narrow down yourself or take it to a mechanic - personally, I'd take it to an MB dealer, because I don't believe this is a known issue (at least not one that I've not heard/read before) and MB might be familiar with it if it has happened to the odd w204 before. Either way, you want to get it diagnosed by someone familiar with these cars.

JamesWestbrook

Correct, I park it and friends of mine call me all night asking why I left the lights on. It only started in the last few weeks, ironically after I brought it back from the dealership. Its all lights as well. Tail, head, running, maybe even interior. Weirdest thing I've ever seen.

Haffster

Do a forum search - I just came across a couple of posts with similar issues (although they didn't have everything on - just parking lights). One post mentioned a recall in the '08s and another narrowed it down to a faulty light switch.

JamesWestbrook

I noticed tons of complaints about that switch in my research. I've gotten in contact with the Benz dealer about the issue. Hopefully that's the problem and not the entire wiring harness...

Haffster

It's probably just that. But do also look into that recall.

ChuckinTucson

Don't feel insulted if you're familiar with this but not everyone is . . . so here's my idea. Do you leave the light switch in the AUTO or 0 position when you park it? I have seen people turn the switch one or two positions to the left which turns on the standing lights which will turn the parking lights and tail lights on one side of the car or the other without turning on any dash lights or other interior lights. Just a thought.

NZ-Merc

Leave the switch in the Auto position will fix it, in off will random flicker the park lights, have the same issue with mine and been in auto position for the last month with no flickering and lights working properly.
New light switch is required for proper fix.