Peteski

I intermittently get the "Lamp Defective" message on my '97 E420 with 76,000 miles. Yet the lights all seem to be working fine, inside & out. I had the dealer look when I was in for an oil change this past week, and they could find nothing - and, of course, it wasn't doing it just then. Any ideas out there?

carlsson9

I have the same problem too..
'cept that my third break light had been out for a while, but it's never shown lamp defective because of that..

Peteski

I should have added that it only happens when I have the headlights on, so I don't think it's the brake lights or turn signals or fog lights.

MARK CUMMINS

Inspect all the running lights...Then Inspect the Tail light bulb holders..they melt and cause the above problem

Morzine

I had the same problem, as the previous poster said, check the rear bulb holders, they come loose. Also make sure you have two lights above your number plate, often missed by people checking.

Good luck.

Shane C

I too have had this problem ! double check your tail light bulbs a few have two fillaments. check to see if both fillaments are intact. you can always back up to a glass window and step on brake, then try blinkers and reverse with lights on to see which bulb is not as bright or out youll be able to see reflection through glass . Worked for me!

Air Marshall Eldritch

And if none of the previous advice works out...check the little light above the license plate. I had that one go out and got the message.

osiris667

i just went thru the exact same thing. Turns out my right rear tail light was loose, a bump jarred the tail light to move the miniscule amount to break the gap in the contact with the metal connector, which threw the error. However it somehow moved back and made contact again when i was checking for burned out lights...

you adjusted the gap with a flat pocket knife. . now its snug.