Ken311

So I have had my "check light" come on for the license plate lights every now and then, but for the past few months the lights always seem to be working. finally, both lamps went out and i decided to replace the bulbs. I swapped in the new pair and now only the left light works. The bulb that works on the left side does not work on the right, so I have a feeling i'm facing a more complicated issue than a simple bulb switch.

Any suggestions where to start?

betrezra

I'm in the same boat. For my clk I suspect the little metal terminals that hold and contact the bulb elec connection are dirty causing my int short...... I'll try cleaning the contact points with some crc. Gl

Ken311

tried cleaning the contacts, twisting the bulbs in place, and using the stock bulbs. no luck on any of the attempts. i might have to head down to my local MB mechanic to have him check it out. im going to check the fuses as a last resort

Viper98912

I have the same problem in the C55, although lately they've been working again. Can't figure out the problem

Ken311

hmm im surprised this many people are having the same problem. i checked the fuses last night and they all look good. in fact, the fuse that controls the right plate light controls both lights.

seems like i'll be taking the car into the shop later on this week, ill check back when i have a diagnosis.

ALLDATAdiy INFO

Alldatadiy.com has symptom related information that may help you with your issue. Good luck!

pointman

I have it to. A key cycle gets rid of it for months.

Ken311

i wish my issue were that simple. i've even tried an hard reset of the ecu to no avail

pointman

Ken, according to my SA its just a matter of the contacts being corroded, or the contacts being bent away from the bulb.

Zeppelin

The damn thing is are probably controlled by the rear SAM unit. I don't have the wiring diagrams but I would hope both sides are controlled from the same output which would mean the SAM is ok. Probably just a wire or contact issue. Try using an Ohmmeter and seeing if there is continuity from the left bulb contact to the right side contact. If not go from there to trace the bad wire or contact.

Ken311

like i said i already used some cleaner on the contacts and that did not help at all. i'll try bending the contacts around a bit and see what happens.

Viper98912

Moved the bulb around to break away any corrosion and make sure it was tight and still had an issue later