SL/R230: High beam wont light up?
#1
High beam wont light up?
Per my 2004 SL500: Right side high beam won't light. Left side High beam does light up as do both left and right low beams light up. One shop says it is the SAM unit and another shop says it is the right side headlight assembly. My question is: Will a diagnostic machine pinpoint the problem before I start throwing parts at it? I would like to know what to address, such as SAM, Xenon ballast, wiring, headlamp assembly, or?
Any input sincerely appreciated.
email: eps930@gmail.com
Eldon
Any input sincerely appreciated.
email: eps930@gmail.com
Eldon
#2
MBworld Guru
I assume it's not the bulb? Put a voltmeter on the connection to the bulb and make sure it's not a ground issue, etc. And yes, a proper diagnostic tool (SDS, iCarsoft i980) can read to see if there are any SAM errors.
#3
Bulb
Rudney:
Is the bulb only accessible by removing the bumper fascia?
ALSO
Can the high beam portion of the bulb be bad if the low beam functions?
Thanks again
Eldon
Is the bulb only accessible by removing the bumper fascia?
ALSO
Can the high beam portion of the bulb be bad if the low beam functions?
Thanks again
Eldon
#4
MBworld Guru
Oh, wait! Are you talking about the bi-xenon function where the shutter opens on the HID projector to give it a higher beam range? If so, then scratch what I said - I though you were talking about the actual high-beam halogen bulb not working. Pre-MY2009 facelift, the high beam halogen bulb is not use for high beams, only flash-to-pass. I was thinking of mine (MY2011) where both the halogen bulb and bi-xenon shutter is used.
Anyhow, I'd suspect a failure of the shutter servo inside the headlight assembly. It;s more likely to fail than this one function of the SAM.
Anyhow, I'd suspect a failure of the shutter servo inside the headlight assembly. It;s more likely to fail than this one function of the SAM.
#7
Senior Member
Rudeney
Can you comment more on how the bixenon hi/low beam works? Is there just one bulb do both hi and low beams? What is this shutter deal. I need to learn about this in case mine ever fails. I wouldn't know what i'm doing. 2003 model with bixenon option.
moretech
Can you comment more on how the bixenon hi/low beam works? Is there just one bulb do both hi and low beams? What is this shutter deal. I need to learn about this in case mine ever fails. I wouldn't know what i'm doing. 2003 model with bixenon option.
moretech
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#8
MBworld Guru
The bi-xenon system uses a single HID bulb in a projector lens. Like all projector HID system, there is a physical shutter that cuts-off the top part of the light. This is what makes the "__/----" beam pattern. With bi-xenon, the shutter is electrically controlled and can be "lifted" thus allowing a full pattern of light.
#9
Member
It just struck me that if it was the bulb, wouldn't you get a message on your driver information center. Most bulbs are monitored.