C32 Headlamp headache
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
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From: So. Plainfield, NJ
03 C32 AMG
C32 Headlamp headache
As from my previous thread, I was having multiple electrical issues with my car however most were resolved with a simple replacement of the battery. One issue i'm still having would be my right headlight intermittently working. I finally found some time and switched the bulbs, and to my horror the "bad" bulb worked perfectly and the "good" one wouldn't light right off the bat in the right-side housing. So that eliminates the bulbs themselves. This leaves the ballast/igniter to be shot / on its way out since it only works half the time. Or possibly a wire that's become loose? 
Any tips / hints on what to look for? Also, can we just replace the ballasts in these cars or is it a whole section that needs to come with it?
Any tips / hints on what to look for? Also, can we just replace the ballasts in these cars or is it a whole section that needs to come with it?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
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02 C32 AMG
interesting. after my passenger side license plate bulb went out, my left brake light and right head lamp went out at the exact same time....except i have a new battery.
i'm betting on some bad wiring in my case and yours, though i'm no electrical expert.
i'm betting on some bad wiring in my case and yours, though i'm no electrical expert.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
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From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
Have you noticed it occurring more when the car hits a bump or if there is some sort of movement. A good way to tell if you have a loose connections is if movement causes the light to come and go off. If this is the case, then just check all the wires to see where it could be loose.
If that's not the case, you may want to get a voltmeter to see what's going on with the voltage. Do you get a message on your dash when your lights go out? Do you have headlight washers?
If that's not the case, you may want to get a voltmeter to see what's going on with the voltage. Do you get a message on your dash when your lights go out? Do you have headlight washers?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: So. Plainfield, NJ
03 C32 AMG
You know, now that you mention about the bumps it doesn't make a difference going over bumps or what not... Usually it's either on and will stay on, or it's off but sometimes turning the headlights on and off a few times will finally get it to work.
I do get a message on the dash saying R headlight is out, or to that effect. Also have headlight washer
I do get a message on the dash saying R headlight is out, or to that effect. Also have headlight washer
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
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From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
I think that there may be a repair kit from mercedes, but I can't remember if I'm making that up. You maybe able to find a ballast if you are lucky if it is indeed the ballast.
