Brake light problems...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
Brake light problems...
Hello all
Recently one of my brake lights bit the dust so I bought a new bulb out it in and unfortunetly it still didnt worked switched the socket and bulb still doesnt work so i was wondering if any has had this problem and fixed it or if anyone had any advice on how to fix it before i take it to the dealership...
Recently one of my brake lights bit the dust so I bought a new bulb out it in and unfortunetly it still didnt worked switched the socket and bulb still doesnt work so i was wondering if any has had this problem and fixed it or if anyone had any advice on how to fix it before i take it to the dealership...
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Seattle WA
99 E320
simplistically....
battery is connected to the brake switch,
brake switch is connected to the tail light circuit base plate,
circuit plate is connected to the bulb light socket/holder,
bulb light holder is connected to the bulb
you work your way backwards.
you've determined the bulb is not working.
you now check for continuity between bulb and the socket/holder.
then you check for continuity between socket and base plate (which is where the majority of the problems are outside of burnt out bulb).
you can then check to see if power is getting to base plate with D/VOM meter.
usually, the problems are confined within the above....
but occastionally, you will find the open circuit occuring upstream to the
brake light switch.....rarely battery
I'm also presuming when you say brake light, it means brake light....and not
rear running light, reverse, or turn signal light circuit. usually a bulb light problem
is something we can help walk you through rather than having you ending up
at the dealer (yikes)
battery is connected to the brake switch,
brake switch is connected to the tail light circuit base plate,
circuit plate is connected to the bulb light socket/holder,
bulb light holder is connected to the bulb
you work your way backwards.
you've determined the bulb is not working.
you now check for continuity between bulb and the socket/holder.
then you check for continuity between socket and base plate (which is where the majority of the problems are outside of burnt out bulb).
you can then check to see if power is getting to base plate with D/VOM meter.
usually, the problems are confined within the above....
but occastionally, you will find the open circuit occuring upstream to the
brake light switch.....rarely battery
I'm also presuming when you say brake light, it means brake light....and not
rear running light, reverse, or turn signal light circuit. usually a bulb light problem
is something we can help walk you through rather than having you ending up
at the dealer (yikes)
Last edited by raymond g-; Apr 7, 2011 at 09:43 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
simplistically....
battery is connected to the brake switch,
brake switch is connected to the tail light circuit base plate,
circuit plate is connected to the bulb light socket/holder,
bulb light holder is connected to the bulb
you work your way backwards.
you've determined the bulb is not working.
you now check for continuity between bulb and the socket/holder.
then you check for continuity between socket and base plate (which is where the majority of the problems are outside of burnt out bulb).
you can then check to see if power is getting to base plate with D/VOM meter.
usually, the problems are confined within the above....
but occastionally, you will find the open circuit occuring upstream to the
brake light switch.....rarely battery
I'm also presuming when you say brake light, it means brake light....and not
rear running light, reverse, or turn signal light circuit. usually a bulb light problem
is something we can help walk you through rather than having you ending up
at the dealer (yikes)
battery is connected to the brake switch,
brake switch is connected to the tail light circuit base plate,
circuit plate is connected to the bulb light socket/holder,
bulb light holder is connected to the bulb
you work your way backwards.
you've determined the bulb is not working.
you now check for continuity between bulb and the socket/holder.
then you check for continuity between socket and base plate (which is where the majority of the problems are outside of burnt out bulb).
you can then check to see if power is getting to base plate with D/VOM meter.
usually, the problems are confined within the above....
but occastionally, you will find the open circuit occuring upstream to the
brake light switch.....rarely battery
I'm also presuming when you say brake light, it means brake light....and not
rear running light, reverse, or turn signal light circuit. usually a bulb light problem
is something we can help walk you through rather than having you ending up
at the dealer (yikes)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
Ive determined it is the brake light switch but i just simply dont know how to get underneath that piece of plastic ive unscrewed it all but it still seems to be attached to the carpet part does anyone know what im missing?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
You are probably forgetting the louver on the transmission tunnel. It's black plastic and has a round fastener you need to turn to remove it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
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From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
I dont think its the sockets what im saying is my right light wont illuminate so i switched the left and right sockets but the light on the right still didnt illuminate they seem to go on when the headlights are on but they never turn on when i brake.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
so the running light on the right does come on, but does not appear brighter
when the brake is depressed, correct?
probably asking the obvious, but did you
- purchase a dual filament bulb (do the part # match the old bulb...or the functioning bulb on the left side) ?
- purchase the correct dual filament bulb (not 180º opposing pins but should be more like 120º) ?
when the brake is depressed, correct?
probably asking the obvious, but did you
- purchase a dual filament bulb (do the part # match the old bulb...or the functioning bulb on the left side) ?
- purchase the correct dual filament bulb (not 180º opposing pins but should be more like 120º) ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
if you update your profile with your location, perhaps someone who possesses
a modicum of electrical skills may live nearby and assist. hate to have you
bring this into the dealer and take a hit on something so simple
a modicum of electrical skills may live nearby and assist. hate to have you
bring this into the dealer and take a hit on something so simple
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
Were on almost opposite ends of the country =S but ill just have to take it in as much as I really dont want to, but thanks for all your help everyone im thankful you all tried to guide me to the problem this seems like a great forum to be a part of =]
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Posts: 6,171
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
@MONROE
Don't give up.
Find any good auto electric shop to test the circuit.
Dealer is going to charge you an arm and a leg.
Or get a multimeter for five bucks and learn how to use it
We have members in Tampa. Somebody help him pleasse
Find any good auto electric shop to test the circuit.
Dealer is going to charge you an arm and a leg.
Or get a multimeter for five bucks and learn how to use it
We have members in Tampa. Somebody help him pleasse
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, Fl.
1998 e320 4matic
Got it fixed up took it to a friend first he took about five minutes came in and told me a wire was loose so I guess i got a quick save there =]
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
