Intermittent indicator bulb "failure"
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2001 CL500
Intermittent indicator bulb "failure"
Hi all, newbie to MB after years in Jag land.
Getting the fast ticking indicator (turn signal) and message saying "F R indicator failure, using substitute" from time to time. Sure enough when it is displayed it is using the fog lamp as a substitute. But this is intermittent, and even when it is doing it if I lock or unlock the car the indicator bulb lights.
So I am thinking perhaps a relay problem? Anyone know which one and where it is? Or any other thoughts on the problem - module/data problem? Seeing as how it works when locking/unlocking I am thinking it is unlikely to be bulb/socket/wiring - but I will check that this weekend.
Any thoughts?
Getting the fast ticking indicator (turn signal) and message saying "F R indicator failure, using substitute" from time to time. Sure enough when it is displayed it is using the fog lamp as a substitute. But this is intermittent, and even when it is doing it if I lock or unlock the car the indicator bulb lights.
So I am thinking perhaps a relay problem? Anyone know which one and where it is? Or any other thoughts on the problem - module/data problem? Seeing as how it works when locking/unlocking I am thinking it is unlikely to be bulb/socket/wiring - but I will check that this weekend.
Any thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,340
Likes: 22
From: Southern California, USA
2003 CL55 AMG
It could be as simlpe as the bulb base, wiring or it could be the front SAM that controls the blinkers.
Best way to start is have the stored codes read via Mercedes SDS (DAS/Xentry) to see what is being stored.
Best way to start is have the stored codes read via Mercedes SDS (DAS/Xentry) to see what is being stored.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2001 CL500
To follow up: I pulled the indicator bulb and all connections were pretty much like new. I gave them all a clean with contact cleaner and a bit of wet and dry paper anyway.
So far the issue has not returned, so maybe the control module is overly sensitive to resistance changes and the tiny bit of cleaning I did sorted it.
So far the issue has not returned, so maybe the control module is overly sensitive to resistance changes and the tiny bit of cleaning I did sorted it.
