Headlight problems? please help
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
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From: Virginia
1992 190e 2.6
Headlight problems? please help
Hello, I own a 1992 190e that my dad has passed down to me after owning it for the past 18 years. It's in decent shape but could be A LOT better.
My headlights will work on low beams (very dim though), but the high beams work sporadically. It is a surprise when they suddenly work out of the blue. Do I need a new headlight switch, new headlight assembly, or is it the wiring?
My headlights will work on low beams (very dim though), but the high beams work sporadically. It is a surprise when they suddenly work out of the blue. Do I need a new headlight switch, new headlight assembly, or is it the wiring?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 571
Likes: 17
From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Your profile doesn't indicate your geographical location which could have a bearing on your problem.
The very common electrical problem in these older cars, and particularly in humid locations, is corrosion on the fuses in the electrical center. Most hobbyists with these cars either replace the fuses periodically or pull them out to clean the corrosion off both contact points. Particularly the older German fuses create a problem because they are aluminum and the receptacle into which they fit is copper. Electrolysis or Galvanic action between the two metals causes some of the problem. Buss puts out some fuses that are copper and they help eliminate the problem. Cleaning those contacts on the fuse for the headlights may cure your issue. If not, it's like all electrical problems, you have to check continuity on the wiring from the headlights, through the electrical center and to the switch.
The very common electrical problem in these older cars, and particularly in humid locations, is corrosion on the fuses in the electrical center. Most hobbyists with these cars either replace the fuses periodically or pull them out to clean the corrosion off both contact points. Particularly the older German fuses create a problem because they are aluminum and the receptacle into which they fit is copper. Electrolysis or Galvanic action between the two metals causes some of the problem. Buss puts out some fuses that are copper and they help eliminate the problem. Cleaning those contacts on the fuse for the headlights may cure your issue. If not, it's like all electrical problems, you have to check continuity on the wiring from the headlights, through the electrical center and to the switch.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 571
Likes: 17
From: Redding, CA
'85 190D , '12 E350 BlueTec, '13 GLK 250 BlueTec
Did you pull the fuses, particularly the one for the headlights, and either sandpaper or use steel wool on the contacts?
'Looking' at them won't tell you a thing.
'Looking' at them won't tell you a thing.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
1992 190e 2.6
I had gone to the shop and while I had a tune up asked them to look at the fuses. I am pretty sure they did not sandpaper down the contacts. I am going to do that tonight and get back to you.
