Tail light issue (pics included)

Subscribe
Jan 2, 2014 | 02:48 PM
  #1  
Hey guys,

I got pulled over on New Years Eve the other day for my right side brake light not working.

I checked it out, and it turns out it was actually the right side parking light (you know the one when you pull the lights *** out 2 times to turn them on).

I went and bought two new bulbs (Sylvania 7506 LL). I took off the light bulb holder and noticed when I was taking it out the light was on but just dimmed really low. I replaced it, and it was still putting out a very low dim.

Is it suppose to be like that? Or is it a electrical error? My warranty covers anything that isn't wear and tear basically (oil change, brake change, light bulbs, etc) but if it's a more serious problem then I can take it to the dealer for repair. (unfortunately it would probably take them at least a month to do, terrible service)

What do you guys think? Here are some pics...

Left Side
Tail light issue (pics included)-eovtkjd.jpg
Tail light issue (pics included)-zsfjjbe.jpg

Right Side
Tail light issue (pics included)-hskl9bo.jpg
Tail light issue (pics included)-psgdxne.jpg


Reply 0
Jan 2, 2014 | 04:00 PM
  #2  
No -- look at the connector to see if the brown wire might be burned a bit.
Reply 0
Jan 2, 2014 | 06:46 PM
  #3  
As JWH321 says 2008s have an issue with the harness to the tail lights.
Reply 0
Jan 2, 2014 | 09:14 PM
  #4  
See the thread running now about the possible recall on this - every car has this problem, the ground to the bulb plate is insufficient, gets hot, burns/melts the connector.
Reply 0
Jan 3, 2014 | 02:22 PM
  #5  
So if it is due to a burn/melt, what would the next step be in order to repair it? Is it just a snip and re-splicing of a wire or does the entire bulb holder need to be replaced?
Reply 0
Jan 3, 2014 | 07:10 PM
  #6  
Lots of details and photos on the 2 or 3 other threads about this. Usually the bulb holder plate has a burn on it where the ground is attached. The bulb plates are actually surprisingly cheap. So a minimum repair is a new heavier gauge ground wire, new pin, maybe a new connector, and a new bulb plate - for each side.
Reply 0
Jan 3, 2014 | 08:25 PM
  #7  
I agree. Generally speaking, when you have these issues, think ground first.
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE