cbkent

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.

desired_speeds

check your rear license plate lights

Plutoe

If there are multiple bulbs out, you will see the stacked icon in the dash. If a bulb is out there is no stacking-----is the lack of a lighted turn signal indicator a bulb or relay. If bulb that's defective

FYI----get your manual out and check all the lamp locations mentioned---under door and license plate end to be forgotten

daSong

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

cbkent

There is no stacked icon. Backup lightts work fine. All I can think of is the missing rear fog lamp. Does anyone know if there should be one?

raymond g-

we can't guess because we don't know which side of the car you're referring to.
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

nelbur

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.

cbkent

I'm in the US. There are holes for rear fog lamps on both sides, in the trunk lid, but no sockets that I can see. License plate lights are OK.

raymond g-

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.

Mbmk

I replace the back left brake exterior light bulb when the warning sign shows defective lamps. It goes away after you start and restart engine.

austin94

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.

Mbmk

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.

patrick_y

Circuit board on tail lamps sometime go out. FYI. May not be the bulb, but could be the tail lamp itself.

Mbmk

Sorry. My mistake. There was a blown brake bulb. Replaced.

jettskiman

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.

R_Bzdel_E430

Lights come on as soon as key is turned.