C203 rear tail light problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2005 C220CDI Coupe
C203 rear tail light problem
Hello,
My first post here on behalf of a father who has recently purchased a 2005 C220 CDI Coupe (RHD UK spec).
After a week of ownership he turned on the lights for the first time and get errors saying rear tail lamp right, rear license light right and backup lights enabled.
I've done some research and understand the electronics will use the brake light on low voltage if it detects a fault on the rear tail lights. This is what is happening on my dads car.
I've checked the tailight bulb (tail and fog light bulb combined) and they looked fine but I replaced them anyway. Still the same fault though and they don't work. If I turn the rear fog light on the right rear light lights up (not sure if the left should as well?)
I swapped the bulb holder units from left to right and the fault remains on the right side so this rules out a bulb issue. I've tried to look at fuses but it appears that the rear tail lights are not fused and are "Electronic"?
The number/license plate bulb is a strange issue. I've replaced the bulb and it flickers on for a second the goes straight out, again ve swapped the known working one from the left into the right and it does the same flicker for a second then goes out?
Anyone have any ideas please on where I should investigate further?
Thank you in advance. Karl
My first post here on behalf of a father who has recently purchased a 2005 C220 CDI Coupe (RHD UK spec).
After a week of ownership he turned on the lights for the first time and get errors saying rear tail lamp right, rear license light right and backup lights enabled.
I've done some research and understand the electronics will use the brake light on low voltage if it detects a fault on the rear tail lights. This is what is happening on my dads car.
I've checked the tailight bulb (tail and fog light bulb combined) and they looked fine but I replaced them anyway. Still the same fault though and they don't work. If I turn the rear fog light on the right rear light lights up (not sure if the left should as well?)
I swapped the bulb holder units from left to right and the fault remains on the right side so this rules out a bulb issue. I've tried to look at fuses but it appears that the rear tail lights are not fused and are "Electronic"?
The number/license plate bulb is a strange issue. I've replaced the bulb and it flickers on for a second the goes straight out, again ve swapped the known working one from the left into the right and it does the same flicker for a second then goes out?
Anyone have any ideas please on where I should investigate further?
Thank you in advance. Karl
Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
c220cdi
Same problem
Hello,
My first post here on behalf of a father who has recently purchased a 2005 C220 CDI Coupe (RHD UK spec).
After a week of ownership he turned on the lights for the first time and get errors saying rear tail lamp right, rear license light right and backup lights enabled.
I've done some research and understand the electronics will use the brake light on low voltage if it detects a fault on the rear tail lights. This is what is happening on my dads car.
I've checked the tailight bulb (tail and fog light bulb combined) and they looked fine but I replaced them anyway. Still the same fault though and they don't work. If I turn the rear fog light on the right rear light lights up (not sure if the left should as well?)
I swapped the bulb holder units from left to right and the fault remains on the right side so this rules out a bulb issue. I've tried to look at fuses but it appears that the rear tail lights are not fused and are "Electronic"?
The number/license plate bulb is a strange issue. I've replaced the bulb and it flickers on for a second the goes straight out, again ve swapped the known working one from the left into the right and it does the same flicker for a second then goes out?
Anyone have any ideas please on where I should investigate further?
Thank you in advance. Karl
My first post here on behalf of a father who has recently purchased a 2005 C220 CDI Coupe (RHD UK spec).
After a week of ownership he turned on the lights for the first time and get errors saying rear tail lamp right, rear license light right and backup lights enabled.
I've done some research and understand the electronics will use the brake light on low voltage if it detects a fault on the rear tail lights. This is what is happening on my dads car.
I've checked the tailight bulb (tail and fog light bulb combined) and they looked fine but I replaced them anyway. Still the same fault though and they don't work. If I turn the rear fog light on the right rear light lights up (not sure if the left should as well?)
I swapped the bulb holder units from left to right and the fault remains on the right side so this rules out a bulb issue. I've tried to look at fuses but it appears that the rear tail lights are not fused and are "Electronic"?
The number/license plate bulb is a strange issue. I've replaced the bulb and it flickers on for a second the goes straight out, again ve swapped the known working one from the left into the right and it does the same flicker for a second then goes out?
Anyone have any ideas please on where I should investigate further?
Thank you in advance. Karl
hi Karl
have you find solution for the problem?
same issue here
thanks in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,276
Likes: 236
From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I remember once having a weird problem with bulb errors in the rear. Turned out to be some dirty contacts. Check both the contacts where the harness connector plugs into the bulb "cartridge", and also check the individual sockets.
Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 121
Likes: 22
From: Melbourne, Vic, Australia
C230K M271 CL203 2003 model
Also, check that you have a good earth connection to the bulbs. A flaky earth can cause weird issues!..
From an earlier forum post..
"These cars suffer from bad tail light grounds. I use to get the brake lamp out message on the dash when they were fine.
Remove the ground wires. Sand, wire brush etc.
Worked for me. There is a video on youtube showing the installation of a Mercedes fix "kit" for this very problem..."
From an earlier forum post..
"These cars suffer from bad tail light grounds. I use to get the brake lamp out message on the dash when they were fine.
Remove the ground wires. Sand, wire brush etc.
Worked for me. There is a video on youtube showing the installation of a Mercedes fix "kit" for this very problem..."
Last edited by tkid; May 16, 2022 at 09:25 AM. Reason: added some relevant info..
Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
W203
Taillight replacement
Hi everyone, I’m having error messages for my taillight so I decided to get an upgrade. The ones I like says it fits w203 2000-2004 and I drive a 2007
will it fit please?
Are there any difference between the 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 in size and connection wires?
will it fit please?
Are there any difference between the 2000-2004 and 2005-2007 in size and connection wires?
Last edited by Teejay Tafida; May 11, 2022 at 09:06 PM. Reason: Wrong title
