Monroe

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...

raymond g-

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)

Monroe

Honestly im dumb when it comes to diy jobs on cars so if you could tell me what exactly is a tail light circuit base plate and what is it. I want to fix it myself just for the accomplishment and savings but it seems pretty tough

Monroe

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?

lkchris

There's NO WAY the brake light switch can cause just ONE bulb to fail.

W210s are notorious for melting bulb sockets at the taillight.

RichardM98

As mentioned the brake light switch would affect all of the brake lights not just one.

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.

Monroe

I switched the two sockets from the working light and failing light and still the same side was out the lights appear to trun on when i turn on the headlamps im honestly clueless as to what the problem is any other ideas?

ejsheltra

AGREED. Follow Kent's advice on this one. Most often it is the electrical contacts that the bulb rests against inside the socket. Bend them out a LITTLE and and apply some electrical gel (local auto parts store) for good contact and your issue should go away. The brake light switch would knock out more than one bulb. You can also replace the socket very easily. They are not much at the dealer just a few bucks.

Monroe

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.

raymond g-

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) ?

Monroe

Its the correct bulb and i put in a new fuse and it still is out im just going to have to take it to the dealer tomorrow :,(

raymond g-

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

Monroe

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 =]

ohlord

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

Monroe

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 =]

lkchris

No you didn't.

Not talking about the bulb holder but rather the taillight itself. These cannot be switched right/left, obviously.

2pacsmydaddy

Where exactly was the wire loose at?

2pacsmydaddy

Nevermind, my one running light didn't work because there was a loose relay behind the external fuse box....