US to probe melting tail light wiring
#1
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'08 Mercedes C300
US to probe melting tail light wiring
Hey everyone,
I was looking through yahoo articles when I stumbled upon an article involving the 2008 and 2009 C-Class. It's an issue I'm sure most of us are aware of in regards to melting tail lamp wiring. Enjoy!
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?sec...ess&id=9172967
I was looking through yahoo articles when I stumbled upon an article involving the 2008 and 2009 C-Class. It's an issue I'm sure most of us are aware of in regards to melting tail lamp wiring. Enjoy!
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?sec...ess&id=9172967
#2
Finally this issue is brought to light. MB has been skirting this very real problem long enough. Everyone who has personal experience with the tail lamp assembly should file a complaint with NHTSA to force a proper recall action.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...Investigations
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...Investigations
#5
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Every country has its own administrative body which controls motor vehicle safety, and they are not all on the same schedule. In our case, "they" is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which only has jurisdiction in the U.S.. Transport Canada may join in soon, as might similar agencies in countries in Europe and Asia, if they find some supporting data in their markets or other information which prompts them to proceed.
#6
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Is there a reporting mechanism that owners can use to add there failures to the current list of 21? It seems like MB world alone may have that many affected vehicles.
One question for those of you that have had this issue. Did you use your rear fog light often?
One question for those of you that have had this issue. Did you use your rear fog light often?
#7
To report a safety issue, click on the link and go to "Have a safety complaint? Let us know" in the top left section of the website.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...Investigations
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...Investigations
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#8
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10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
It's about damn time!
I did order the parts to fix it already, but haven't installed them yet, so I guess I'll wait for a bit to see if anything comes out of this deal.
I did order the parts to fix it already, but haven't installed them yet, so I guess I'll wait for a bit to see if anything comes out of this deal.
#9
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Our local TV station just ran about a one minute story on the issue at lunch today. The mechanic they spoke with really blasted the poor design.
Looks like a 200,000 car recall may be in the works due to the fire danger and crash dangers due to loss of visibility??
Maybe they will just replace them all with the new LED design...
Looks like a 200,000 car recall may be in the works due to the fire danger and crash dangers due to loss of visibility??
Maybe they will just replace them all with the new LED design...
#10
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MBUSA is not clear if the suspect population was all 08 and 09, or if they will be sorting VIN codes based on the possibility of more than one supplier. They did say that if anyone goes ahead and pays for the repair now, and their car is actually involved, the notification letter comes with a reimbursement form if you kept your receipts. If you car turns out not to be involved, you bought yourself new tail lamp circuitry.
#12
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I've decided to take a chance and have the job done now. My very good SA told me of some cars where the problem occurred in out-of-warranty cars in the wiring, and wound up causing more collateral damage, including to a tail lamp lens...and that gets expensive quickly. The job for both sides is $215 complete. MBUSA confirmed that if my car is in the suspect population (high probability based on reports of 08 and 09) and a recall campaign is launched, I will get reimbursed. If not, I bought myself some new wiring to reduce the chances of a problem before MB and NHTSA figure this out and a national backorder on the parts develops. For $215, it seems a worthwhile gamble now.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Had the job done in about an hour....turned out a bit less than the estimate at $195 with tax. Now, I will hold the receipt in case a recall campaign is launched and my VIN falls within the range. I think of this as insurance, as they told me some more incidents of additional surrounding damage from the heat in the wiring.
#15
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Sorry, no. My laptop and I were working in the dealer's conference room. I was surprised to see 14 contact bushings in addition to two plugs as the parts list. It was a 1.4 hour labor op job.
#16
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W204 2008 C350
Yeah this is a problem. I got the Check Tail Lamps message a couple months ago and saw nothing wrong. Lights were working fine, connector intact, not melted. Everything seemed fine. That is until my left side tail lamp started throwing a message and that bulb was actually out. When I pulled out the holder and checked the bulbs, I saw that at least two of them were burned from the inside (Still working mind you). However, when I pulled them out, I saw this:
#17
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W204 2008 C350
As you can see, the bulb itself started melting. I'm glad it started at the bulb and not the wiring itself. Other than replace the wiring and or holder, what exactly is done to prevent this in the future? Are they newer/better parts?
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2010 C200 CGI
LandSeaAir, anyway you can give a day on how to replace the connecter? ******* fought me hard on one side and I barely got it done and just didn't bother with the other side.