Not again -- Defective ..
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 571
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From: Kansas City. U.S.A.
2000 E320 Sedan
Not again -- Defective ..
I keep getting this defective lamb error when I press my brakes. Accroding to the manual this is related to one of the tail stop, signal light beign bad. I replaced all and still the same issue. I noticed when I press the brakes, the tail stop light goes off instead of being on. Replacing the lamb did not fix it, to me it sounds like it is related to a brake switch or something, could it be? I replaced the brake switch 10 months ago !! 
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6
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From: Northern VA
'98 E320 4Matic Wagon
Originally Posted by E320Star
I keep getting this defective lamb error when I press my brakes. Accroding to the manual this is related to one of the tail stop, signal light beign bad. I replaced all and still the same issue. I noticed when I press the brakes, the tail stop light goes off instead of being on. Replacing the lamb did not fix it, to me it sounds like it is related to a brake switch or something, could it be? I replaced the brake switch 10 months ago !!
(sorry, couldn't resist)
AV8R
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 571
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From: Kansas City. U.S.A.
2000 E320 Sedan
I found what the issue is. One of the tail stop lights seems to be causing issues even thu it looks like the orginal bulb and it is not burned !!! It all started when I replaced the bulbs 2 yrs ago which was a diff brand but the correct Sylvania P21/4W. I removed it and put back the original Philips brand on it and it seems to be ok. For how long it will be ok, who knows!!
Here is how I diagnosed the issue:
=========================
What I did to determine it is the bulb, is as follows:
1) I switched left w/the right socket including bulbs, then I pressed the brakes and issue moved from left to the right side.
2) Then I switched the bulbs only, the issue moved back to the left side. This tells me the socket is fine so is the wiring. It was 100% sure it is the fricking bulb..
Next time i am only buying bulbs from the dealership to gurantee no conficts..
Here is how I diagnosed the issue:
=========================
What I did to determine it is the bulb, is as follows:
1) I switched left w/the right socket including bulbs, then I pressed the brakes and issue moved from left to the right side.
2) Then I switched the bulbs only, the issue moved back to the left side. This tells me the socket is fine so is the wiring. It was 100% sure it is the fricking bulb..
Next time i am only buying bulbs from the dealership to gurantee no conficts..
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Were the (OLD) bulbs the SAME wattage? as the bulbs are marked..seen this before..The Bulbs MUST match as the Bulb check system measures resistance from the bulbs and if not the same it WILL turn the light on
