Brake Activation Switch Dilemma
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 3
From: San Diego, California
1998 E320 Wagon 253K miles
Brake Activation Switch Dilemma
Here's my problem with a 1998 E320 wagon (295K).
I've been having a brake light bulb connection issue, where my side brake light was not coming on, probably due to poor connection at the socket,
Twisting the bulb a bit to right or left would solve the problem, but only temporarily, problem would soon come back.
So while in my garage I tested the brake lights, and they came on. I then tested my turn signal, and then noticed that all 3 of my brake lights would not come on, and the dashboard warning was "BAS ASR".
I figured the brake activation switch went bad so I bought a new one at O'Reilly Parts.
I had my mechanic install it (he mainly deals with Japanese but can do some basics on Mercedes) but the brakes still wouldn't light up.
At home, I checked the part and it was installed correctly, so figured the part was bad, so I exchanged it for an identical one.
Installed the new one, and same problem, no lights/same dashboard warning.
The fuses check out okay from what I can see. So now what? Could it be the on-board computer?
I'm on an extremely tight budget, and cannot afford to give the car up, so am trying to avoid the mechanic if at all possible.
If anyone has any ideas, I would be very appreciative. Thanks!
I've been having a brake light bulb connection issue, where my side brake light was not coming on, probably due to poor connection at the socket,
Twisting the bulb a bit to right or left would solve the problem, but only temporarily, problem would soon come back.
So while in my garage I tested the brake lights, and they came on. I then tested my turn signal, and then noticed that all 3 of my brake lights would not come on, and the dashboard warning was "BAS ASR".
I figured the brake activation switch went bad so I bought a new one at O'Reilly Parts.
I had my mechanic install it (he mainly deals with Japanese but can do some basics on Mercedes) but the brakes still wouldn't light up.
At home, I checked the part and it was installed correctly, so figured the part was bad, so I exchanged it for an identical one.
Installed the new one, and same problem, no lights/same dashboard warning.
The fuses check out okay from what I can see. So now what? Could it be the on-board computer?
I'm on an extremely tight budget, and cannot afford to give the car up, so am trying to avoid the mechanic if at all possible.
If anyone has any ideas, I would be very appreciative. Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,249
Likes: 257
From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Get it scanned, find out what's wrong. If it's throwing a warning it's throwing some kind of code. Someone with STAR/DAS/XENTRY will be able to tell you exactly what's wrong most likely.
When buying break light switches, buy Mercedes and not cheap crap from the auto parts stores. The dealer doesn't charge that much for them.
When buying break light switches, buy Mercedes and not cheap crap from the auto parts stores. The dealer doesn't charge that much for them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,965
Likes: 1,315
From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
To expand on what Strigoi said, since your car is a '98, you must use a diagnostic system that uses the 38-pin connector under the hood, thus the STAR/DAS/Xentry. The OBD2 port will connect to the motor electronics but not any of the other modules such as transmission, airbag, or stability/braking modules.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 3
From: San Diego, California
1998 E320 Wagon 253K miles
Thanks all for the scanning advice....have ordered a Mercedes brand brake switch.....if that doesn't work, I'll get the correct scanning done.
