CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Reset Computer Code "Lamp Defective"?

Old Feb 4, 2005 | 05:51 PM
  #1  
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1999 CLK430
Reset Computer Code "Lamp Defective"?

Does anyone know how to reset the code for a "Defective Lamp" on a 1999 CLK430? Or do I have to take this into the dealer? Thanks for your help.
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 06:14 PM
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If you fix the problem (make the lamp work) it should go out itself. If it stays on then there is still a problem (bulb out, incorrect bulb, bad wiring, etc.).

-s-
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 06:38 PM
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i had the same problem this week! my lamp defective light went on but no lights are out. it happened again on wednesday but went away. all my lights are working, why would this happen, weather related?
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Bagher
i had the same problem this week! my lamp defective light went on but no lights are out. it happened again on wednesday but went away. all my lights are working, why would this happen, weather related?
Sounds like a loose connection. Have you changed any bulbs recently and not secured the bulb or wire in place?

Also, the lamp defective light goes on when you actually turn your lights on. A common bulb that people miss are the license plate bulbs when they go out.
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Old Feb 4, 2005 | 10:39 PM
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i haven't touched any of my lights at all. liscense plate lights will trigger the sensor as well?
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Old Feb 5, 2005 | 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Bagher
i haven't touched any of my lights at all. liscense plate lights will trigger the sensor as well?
Yup. But it has to be loose. Does your sensor go on just when you turn on the lights?
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Old Feb 6, 2005 | 01:02 AM
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also check the brake and backup lights.

With somebody's help of course.
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Old Feb 6, 2005 | 04:35 PM
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I was just going to post the same question. Mine did that once about 6 months ago, then the next day it was ok.
Last week it came on within a minute of starting. I turned the motor off and back on, still lit. Maybe 10 minutes later while driving I turned the key off for a few seconds, then back on and it hasn't lit since.
Btw, all lights were werking at all times.

I'm thinking about pulling most of the bulbs out to inspect and clean connections. I imagine a poor connection for just a split second would trigger the light?
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Old Feb 7, 2005 | 10:50 PM
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mine happens when i turn the car on before i turn any lights on. I've checked every light except the plate lights, but i doubt that is the culprit because they arent on unless you turn on your regular lights.
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Old Feb 8, 2005 | 01:52 PM
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I replaced the interior bulb and after a couple of days, the error message went away. You can temporarily erase the error code message by switching the lights to the "P" parking position and then back on again. However, that is only temporary. If you're still getting the error code, I would look closely at the "reading" lamp, passenger lamps, plate lamps, etc... I know that may sound a little redundant, but look closely at all lamps.
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Old Feb 8, 2005 | 07:53 PM
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interior lights will cause this as well?
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Old Feb 8, 2005 | 08:46 PM
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This has happened for quite some time on my 99 clk430. I did find a plate light that was out and had it replaced, only to have the "lamp defective" come back on a fews days later. I have had two shops try and locate the culprit, but it remains on and it bugs the crap out of me. Feels very untidy! One mechanic said a bulb may be "weak" giving a false reading. Evidently the car reads the current going into each buld and then again coming out of each bulb. If these readings are out of "specs" your warning light will come on.

Short of removing and replacing each bulb, and we all know there are many, I deal with it.
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Old Feb 9, 2005 | 05:04 PM
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this sucks i checked all my interior lights and my liscense plate lights and every bulb is functioning properly but now it seems the malfunction comes on more often. maybe a light is getting ready to burn out ?
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