leesteve92

Members,
(THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE CLS550)

So, I'd like to begin by saying I am new to owning a Mercedes, and need help with a brake light issue I am having. I have a 2011 CLS550, and i noticed that my third brake light indicator came on. I have also noticed, that the light works sometimes, and sometimes doesn't, as in, it works randomly, and randomly shuts off while im driving. Either way, the indicator is always on. My tail lights are fine, just havin an issue with the third brake light. Anyone know the reason/solution to this issue? what am i looking at? I am also very new to the mechanical aspect of cars, but i am real eager to learn.
I'd greatly appreciate the help! thanks

-Steve

unlukky

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pn....FQMMaQodj7MPrA

It is located on the brake pedal arm that goes up under the dash.
Definitely worth a look. Are you getting any ABS/ Visit workshop errors?
John

leesteve92

John,

No, i am getting nothing but the 3rd brake light indicator. To describe in detail, i will hold the brake pedal down, and the third brake light will somewhat flicker on and off, at times it will stay lit for a few seconds, turn off for another few, then turn back on. do you think this is a wiring issue? or would you still recommend the brake switch?
thanks for the reply!

-Steve

konigstiger

First step would be to check wiring at left trunk hinge.

Replacement if need be, part # 2198200156:
http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...ns/page_17299/
http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...ce_and_repair/ + next page
http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...29/page_15181/
http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...on/page_16466/
http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...ms/page_17777/
http://workshop-manuals.com/mercedes...er/page_14433/

CakeDaddy

Does anyone have any real world info on how to replace or fix or fix the 3rd brake light without removing the back seat or is that inevitable ?

edit: I called the dealer and was quoted 700$ and that includes the 3.5hr of work and parts.

CakeDaddy

update:

Konigstiger is right. It was the BROWN wire left trunk hinge! I boosted the attached pic from the W211 forum, but it was the same brown wire that triggered the "3rd Brake light lamp" on my CLS's display. There was no need for the 3rd brake light to be replaced. The wire was patched with a new connector and extra slack was created to eliminated future issues.

slkgirlygirl

My SLK230 left rear tail lamp for my brakes keeps going out, and if I get out and smack the lens, it'll sometimes go back on...also, around the same time, the rear windows stopped going up when I close the convertible top...is this coincidental or are some wires pinched on the left side somewhere?? Where do I start searching??

David Lopez

did you ever resolve ur third brake light problem? I know this an old post but I too have a 2011 CLS550 with the same issue

LemondoStafford

I repaired the broken wires that prevented the Trunk Closer from working and the misc. errors regarding 3rd Brake Lamps out and other errors on instrument cluster. It is NOT a happy repair with any guarantee that if you keep the car long enough that you won't have to repair it again. Original design was not good overall on that system and designed to fail because as you Open & Close the trunk you are cold working the entire wire harness nearly 180 degrees back onto itself as the YouTube video:
You'll notice the location of the Pink nylon tie. That is the OEM design. If anyone thinks of a better solution that will control unfurling of the harness Opening & Closing the trunk then propose redesign specifics here and I'll do the same because it REALLY bad to leave it OEM design. I thought about eliminating or relocating the Pink Tie. Or perhaps fabricate and attach a glide channel to the Trunk Arm that will allow the harness to slide unimpeded back & forth for the car's remaining life of Open/Close cycles.