License plate lights faulty
08-05-2023, 06:50 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E220 cdi S211 T-modell
License plate lights faulty
Hi, I have no light in either of my license plate lights after replacing old melted holders (w203 wagon). I replaced the holder and they worked for a short while then stopped. I got some intermittent 12v signals on my multimeter at first, but now the holders are dead with no connection to ground on either, but I do have connection to the rear SAM harness. Ideas?
08-05-2023, 07:04 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 0
Received 210 Likes
on
201 Posts
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
The stock voltage to the bulbs is a bit high for some vehicles. This is a known issue. Replace the holders and do something about the bulb situation. At this point you have several choices:
1) use incandescents, but add resistors. The dealer sells a set of resistors that go in series between the holders and the rest of the wiring.
2) Upgrade to LED bulbs. This also requires resistors, but they have to run in parallel to the the bulbs. See link.
Honestly 2) is the way to go if you ask me. Modern LED bulbs look great on this car.
1) use incandescents, but add resistors. The dealer sells a set of resistors that go in series between the holders and the rest of the wiring.
2) Upgrade to LED bulbs. This also requires resistors, but they have to run in parallel to the the bulbs. See link.
Honestly 2) is the way to go if you ask me. Modern LED bulbs look great on this car.
08-05-2023, 07:12 PM
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E220 cdi S211 T-modell
The stock voltage to the bulbs is a bit high for some vehicles. This is a known issue. Replace the holders and do something about the bulb situation. At this point you have several choices:
1) use incandescents, but add resistors. The dealer sells a set of resistors that go in series between the holders and the rest of the wiring.
2) Upgrade to LED bulbs. This also requires resistors, but they have to run in parallel to the the bulbs. See link.
Honestly 2) is the way to go if you ask me. Modern LED bulbs look great on this car.
1) use incandescents, but add resistors. The dealer sells a set of resistors that go in series between the holders and the rest of the wiring.
2) Upgrade to LED bulbs. This also requires resistors, but they have to run in parallel to the the bulbs. See link.
Honestly 2) is the way to go if you ask me. Modern LED bulbs look great on this car.
08-05-2023, 07:25 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 0
Received 210 Likes
on
201 Posts
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Basically your stock bulb holders are drawing too much juice. Design flaw with the original W203. That's why the bulbs blew.
The official MB fix is 1) above, which adds an in-line (series) resistor. The bulb now draws less juice since the voltage the bulb terminals is now lower because of the resistor.
The solution I would recommend is 2). LED bulbs inherent draw much less juice than incandescents. The problem you'll encounter is that they draw too little juice. That's why you have to add some resistors in parallel. These draw additional juice and trick the car into thinking the bulb isn't burned out. With this solution you won't need to add the series resistor.
The official MB fix is 1) above, which adds an in-line (series) resistor. The bulb now draws less juice since the voltage the bulb terminals is now lower because of the resistor.
The solution I would recommend is 2). LED bulbs inherent draw much less juice than incandescents. The problem you'll encounter is that they draw too little juice. That's why you have to add some resistors in parallel. These draw additional juice and trick the car into thinking the bulb isn't burned out. With this solution you won't need to add the series resistor.
08-05-2023, 07:33 PM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E220 cdi S211 T-modell
Basically your stock bulb holders are drawing too much juice. Design flaw with the original W203. That's why the bulbs blew.
The official MB fix is 1) above, which adds an in-line (series) resistor. The bulb now draws less juice since the voltage the bulb terminals is now lower because of the resistor.
The solution I would recommend is 2). LED bulbs inherent draw much less juice than incandescents. The problem you'll encounter is that they draw too little juice. That's why you have to add some resistors in parallel. These draw additional juice and trick the car into thinking the bulb isn't burned out. With this solution you won't need to add the series resistor.
The official MB fix is 1) above, which adds an in-line (series) resistor. The bulb now draws less juice since the voltage the bulb terminals is now lower because of the resistor.
The solution I would recommend is 2). LED bulbs inherent draw much less juice than incandescents. The problem you'll encounter is that they draw too little juice. That's why you have to add some resistors in parallel. These draw additional juice and trick the car into thinking the bulb isn't burned out. With this solution you won't need to add the series resistor.
08-06-2023, 06:48 AM
#7
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
E220 cdi S211 T-modell
