kumarp99

Hi Everyone,

I am getting several bulbs warnings occasionally from few days in my ML350 2008, most of the times all right side lights from license plate light to rear turning signal and it automatically resets the messages and bulbs after some days and works everything as normal. During this period those bulbs won't work. so it is tough to drive without signal lights.

Can some one please tell me how to solve this problem without going to the dealer.

Thanks in advance,
Praveen

2008 ML 320 CDI

I have the same thing on my 2008 ML 320 CDI but only for one light, the left rear brake light and yes, when the message appears that brake light does not work but then soon starts to work afterwards again.


We've only had this vehicle since December and looking through some records left by the previous owner, it seems this problem was brought to the dealer's attention a few times but the same thing still happens now from time to time.


A month ago I removed the whole tail light assembly to see if there was any obvious cause for this, but could find none. After checking for continuity between each connector pin and the corresponding galvanized plate on the tail light back plate, checking that all bulbs were functioning properly in their sockets, checking for loose contacts etc., I cleaned all surfaces and put the assembly back. For a whole 3 weeks everything worked well and then the problem reappeared after washing the car.


The fault also doesn't stay there long enough for me to isolate any particular area of the fault but at the time it didn't seem as if there was any fault with the signal or the wiring going to the light assembly.


The tail light assembly is well constructed and robust with very little that can go wrong and in your case you have several lights that do the same thing. I suppose that indicates that the fault is more likely to be upstream of light assembly itself.


The vehicle performs very well otherwise and I'm extremely happy with it.

THEHAGUE13

It is the SAM along with new wiring needed

SQLGuy

Can you elaborate on how you know that?

Is there a service bulletin update for this type of issue that requires new wiring and a new version of one of the SAMs? If it were just something that went bad (broken traces, oxidized pins, cracked solder joints) then I would expect a module OR wiring, instead of AND.

Which SAM runs all right side lights including rear turn signal?

How many SAMs are in a W164 anyway?

THEHAGUE13

My dealer tested them. We tried to replace bulbs etc and they didn't work. It is in for the wiring and the New SAM. Will let you know more after i pick it up.

SQLGuy

Were you originally posting as 2008 ML 320 CDI?

2008 ML 320 CDI

My problem seems to be resolved now - for 4 months now I haven't had this issue come up at all. I think the problem was that continuity was lost between the bulb body and the socket in the galvanized back plate that the bulb fits into. There might have been a buildup of a thin film of sorts that caused the bulb body to not make proper contact with the socket that it sits in. Just cleaning the socket lightly with some fine sandpaper seems to have solved the issue I had with my left brake light not working from time to time.

thunderbirl

I got the phantom "Left Brake Light" warning on my 2008 ML350 after replacing a burned-out, traditional-style brake bulb. After trying several ideas over a couple months, including replacing with another "good" bulb, I used 200 grit carborundum (wet/dry) paper on the bulb where the "negative" contact hits the bulb. In this way, the once shiny steel of the bulb housing (not the socket!) now has a "satin" finish at the contact point.... It seems to have solved the issue.

It's so easy and has such a minimal down side that I'll probably rough up the sides of any future replacements.