C Class (W205) C 180 BlueTec,C 200 BlueTec,C 220 BlueTec,C 220 BlueTec BlueEfficiency,C 250 BlueTec,C 300 BlueTec Hybridplus,C 180,C 180 BlueEfficiency,C 200,C 250,C 300,C 400 Plug-in Hybrid,C 400

Both backup lights out - Malfunction on dashboard

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Apr 25, 2017 | 09:35 PM
  #1  
lrizzi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C300 W205
Both backup lights out - Malfunction on dashboard

Hi all:

I have a C300 2015.
About 6 months ago, the dash started to report "Malfunction - see operator manual" with a light bulb above it.
Looking around the car, I discovered that the problem is that both left and right backup lights don't come on.

First odd thing: this is the wrong message. The message "generic malfunction " should refer to the courtesy lights. A problem with backup lights has its own message, which is NOT displayed.

Of course the problem is intermittent: on for 3/4 days in a row (with lights not coming on), and then it disappears and the lights start working again.

I took it the to the dealer already and of course the problem didn't show up and they told me that if the code doesn't show while the car is there, there is nothing they can do to diagnose it.

Anybody has any idea of what can cause both left and right reverse lights to stop working intermittently with a wrong code on the dashboard?
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2017 | 08:38 AM
  #2  
MASSC450's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 114
From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Sounds like an update is needed or a loose connection somewhere. My old 2015 C300 Sport 4Matic needed a couple updates performed by the dealership for funky messages that would pop up sporadically...all under warranty.

Next time it happens, take a picture of the warning message/light to show to the service dept.

Last edited by MASSC450; Apr 26, 2017 at 08:41 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2017 | 11:02 AM
  #3  
auditoamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 52
C63s
Originally Posted by lrizzi
Hi all:

I have a C300 2015.
About 6 months ago, the dash started to report "Malfunction - see operator manual" with a light bulb above it.
Looking around the car, I discovered that the problem is that both left and right backup lights don't come on.

First odd thing: this is the wrong message. The message "generic malfunction " should refer to the courtesy lights. A problem with backup lights has its own message, which is NOT displayed.

Of course the problem is intermittent: on for 3/4 days in a row (with lights not coming on), and then it disappears and the lights start working again.

I took it the to the dealer already and of course the problem didn't show up and they told me that if the code doesn't show while the car is there, there is nothing they can do to diagnose it.

Anybody has any idea of what can cause both left and right reverse lights to stop working intermittently with a wrong code on the dashboard?
NO!!!!! This is lazy on the part of the service department, first of all. The codes are STORED in the systems (pending and prior) fault codes so that the dealer can see a history. Second, have you had your battery stress tested? I have a brand new car that had similar warning messages regarding various lights. It turns out, my dashcam was draining the battery and low voltage was causing funny mesages and behaviors. Even after the car was started... Just a thing to check.... ;-)
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:00 PM.

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