Xenon light problem
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Yeah do a search around here it is not bad just takes patience and a few hours of time. You have to unbolt the bumper and either remove it or pull it off some to get to the lights.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
The device mounted on the bottom of the headlight housing is an igniter and power supply.
It supplies 25,000 volts to strike an arc in the lamp, it then furnishes about 85 volts to the terminals to maintain the arc. Xenon gas is used to start the arc, and metallic salts keep it running. The power supply also limits the current flowing in the arc.
Prior to ripping off the bumper and pulling out the headlight housing to acess the power supply, make a couple of observations. Look carefully at the lamp capsule. It must be hospital clean for the arc to start. Use isopropyl alcohol to swab it with a lint free cloth. Now examine the lamp socket. Is there any discoloration of the insulator material? Any carbon tracks? Any bits missing from melting? Clean it with a warm soapy rag, then use an alcohol rinse to remove the water. Allow time for the connector to dry. Bone dry. Do not turn on the lights with even a hint of moisture or alcohol on the lamp or connector.
Look carefully around the housing. Use a dental mirror to peer inside. Look for any signs of a carbon track or discoloration from excessive heat. You cannot clean inside without damaging the reflector, but you can use a dry cloth to wipe the exterior connector area.
Lastly examine the connector for the housing and bix motor. Unplug them and look for corrosion or dirt. Clean with alcohol or CRC contact cleaner. Mate and remove them a few times to allow the pin and socket terminals to "wipe" each other to remove surface oxide.
If still no joy, swap the lamps prior to getting out the tools. Mind the tabs on the housings, that is what breaks easily. If the supply is bad, use OEM only to save yourself a headache later on.
It supplies 25,000 volts to strike an arc in the lamp, it then furnishes about 85 volts to the terminals to maintain the arc. Xenon gas is used to start the arc, and metallic salts keep it running. The power supply also limits the current flowing in the arc.
Prior to ripping off the bumper and pulling out the headlight housing to acess the power supply, make a couple of observations. Look carefully at the lamp capsule. It must be hospital clean for the arc to start. Use isopropyl alcohol to swab it with a lint free cloth. Now examine the lamp socket. Is there any discoloration of the insulator material? Any carbon tracks? Any bits missing from melting? Clean it with a warm soapy rag, then use an alcohol rinse to remove the water. Allow time for the connector to dry. Bone dry. Do not turn on the lights with even a hint of moisture or alcohol on the lamp or connector.
Look carefully around the housing. Use a dental mirror to peer inside. Look for any signs of a carbon track or discoloration from excessive heat. You cannot clean inside without damaging the reflector, but you can use a dry cloth to wipe the exterior connector area.
Lastly examine the connector for the housing and bix motor. Unplug them and look for corrosion or dirt. Clean with alcohol or CRC contact cleaner. Mate and remove them a few times to allow the pin and socket terminals to "wipe" each other to remove surface oxide.
If still no joy, swap the lamps prior to getting out the tools. Mind the tabs on the housings, that is what breaks easily. If the supply is bad, use OEM only to save yourself a headache later on.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
