Weird issue - one brake light out



I have a strange issue with my W208 CLK55. I recently noticed the drivers side brake light not working. I changed the bulb and that did nothing. I noticed that the bulb does work b/c I had the lights on and turned the car off and when the lights stay on for 30 seconds the brake light bulb is one that stays on. I just won't brighten up for braking. I searched the forum but didn't find anything similar. I am assuming that since the passenger side works - that rules out a fuse or brake light switch. The wire harness that's connected the bulb holder looks ok. I sanded the bulb contacts and pulled them out a little for better contact and no luck.
Anyone have any ideas? Possibly broken or frayed wire somewhere?
thanks!
Last edited by j-mo; May 26, 2019 at 03:13 PM.



I have tried the emergency release in the trunk. I can hear it trying and also hear it when I press the trunk release on FOB. The manual key only inserts halfway and has probably never been used.


