Defective Lamp mystery 2001 E430
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
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2000 E320
Defective Lamp mystery 2001 E430
When my recently pruchased 2001 E430 displayed a "lamp defective" warning, I thought it was no big deal. So I took ity to my indie mechanic who replaced a tail light. However, the message persists. I found a list of all external lamps for the E430, and replaced two that were missed initially--the side markers on the front. When I went to check the rear fog lamp, I discovered that there was no lamp or socket on either side. Nothing. Just a hole on both sides where a lamp seemingly belongs. Other posts have said that either there is a driver's side rear fog lamp, or none at all for US cars. When I pull the switch to the second detent, the indicator light on the panel turns on, but of course, there is no rear fog lamp.
The other issue is with the LED turn signal on the driver's side mirror, which is out. No one seems to know if this would cause a "Defective Lamp" warning.
Before resorting to a dealer, can anyone help?
Q: How many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb in a MB?
A: Only one, but it can cost hundreds.
The other issue is with the LED turn signal on the driver's side mirror, which is out. No one seems to know if this would cause a "Defective Lamp" warning.
Before resorting to a dealer, can anyone help?
Q: How many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb in a MB?
A: Only one, but it can cost hundreds.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 39
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2001 W210 E320
Have you checked your fuses behind the headlight switch? If one of them is out (i think #4) your reverse light (or rear fog) socket base might be causing a short with the body (trunk door). The bulb socket makes 2 connections to the socket base which is exposed metal. On my car, the whole base was shifted so that the base was in contact with the trunk's metal panel, this was causing the short. I was able to discover this because of this guy's post: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...-switch-2.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
it would also depend on where you live, and/or which country the car was
manufactured for use in.
rather than just guessing, you can take an inventory and have verifyable
view of whether the bulb is functioning
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 301
Likes: 23
1997 E300D
There is only one rear fog lamp on my '97 E (left side). Must be a European thing as I saw a Volvo with one rear fog lamp in a foggy situation. I guess two rear fog lights would look like brake lights.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
in the US, only the left/driver's side should be fitted with a rear fog bulb - the lower of
the two bulbs which normally are fitted into the trunk lid. the right/pax side isn't to be
used and should not trigger a fault code. usually they are blanked out with a metal
punch out plate, like typical electrical outlet boxes in your house.
the two bulbs which normally are fitted into the trunk lid. the right/pax side isn't to be
used and should not trigger a fault code. usually they are blanked out with a metal
punch out plate, like typical electrical outlet boxes in your house.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
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2001 E320, 2010 E350 Sedan, 2009 E350 Wagon, 2014 E350 Coupe, 2015 ML 350
The US models of the w210 do have a rear fog light on the driver's side. I would say check that, but also check that all your lights to be sure they are the correct model number. I took mine to MB of all places to have the brake pads replaced and they replaced a tail light that was out out of courtesy with the incorrect bulb! Messed up my socket, and I had the "lamp defective message" for months until I got a new socket even though the light was functioning all that time.
And just FYI, side mirror LED lights or 3rd LED brake light will not cause the message to display.
And just FYI, side mirror LED lights or 3rd LED brake light will not cause the message to display.
Last edited by austin94; Feb 17, 2014 at 12:24 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3
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From: Malaysia
MB E200 Compressor W210 Year: 2001
My guess is that the contact resistance change when using wrong bulb and hence the defective lamp warning lit up. There is no real blown bulbs. For my case my mechanic bend the contact leads to ensure good contact.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
2005 E320 CDI, 2011 ML350 4Matic
Defective Light Bulb Message
I see a lot of posts about defective bulbs on here but I have a question. I have a 2000 E320 and right when I start the car the defective lamp comes up in the info box. No lights turned on, no foot on the brake. Does it do a check of all the bulbs even when everything is turned off at startup? I dont see how it can check the bulbs when there is no power trying to go through them. Cant see any bulbs out (including license plate lights). Any info would be sweet. UPDATE: I lied, one of the license plate bulbs was out so I guess I answered my own question. It must do check somehow even with the lights not turned on. New bulb and the message is gone.
Last edited by jettskiman; Apr 29, 2015 at 09:41 PM. Reason: new info
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
2002 E430 4matic (W210)
I see a lot of posts about defective bulbs on here but I have a question. I have a 2000 E320 and right when I start the car the defective lamp comes up in the info box. No lights turned on, no foot on the brake. Does it do a check of all the bulbs even when everything is turned off at startup? I dont see how it can check the bulbs when there is no power trying to go through them. Cant see any bulbs out (including license plate lights). Any info would be sweet. UPDATE: I lied, one of the license plate bulbs was out so I guess I answered my own question. It must do check somehow even with the lights not turned on. New bulb and the message is gone.
