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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
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
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!
Silver CLS550, Blk M45, Lexus GX470 & an endless fleet of Avis Premium Rental Cars
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.
Last edited by CakeDaddy; Apr 3, 2016 at 01:14 PM.
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??
Video of Trunk Wire Harness folding 180 Degrees Cold Working then breaking Wires
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.
Last edited by LemondoStafford; Jan 23, 2021 at 02:40 PM.
Reason: Added ideas for redesigning wire harness controls
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Video of Trunk Wire Harness folding 180 Degrees Cold Working then breaking Wires
