Paulcomi

1999 E320. Yes I have read the other thread and yes one of my license plate bulbs was bad so I replaced the pair. I also replaced the side marker lights and the parking light bulbs so I’m really stumped why when I turn the switch to the first setting which is parking lights I still get a error on my dashboard.

I had flaky brake light bulb holders also and after fussing with the holders and the housing I ended up wiring the bulbs direct and they work reliably now.

raymond g-

I don't know, but there are about 22 filaments total which are interrogated as part of the BULB MALFUNCTION
system. all are view able on the exterior. be sure you check them ALL. the system is rarely wrong and it
is more likely that you've overlooked one.

also, it does not play well with LED bulbs so if you replaced a halogen with an LED, that could be the problem

(what "other thread"?)

Paulcomi

No I didn’t use any LED because I anticipated what you’re describing I know they’re very sensitive to differences in voltage at Cetera. The parking light setting that I’m talking about is the first click to the right from lights off. The only light bulbs I havent replaced now is the center brake light (in the back window) and the fog lamps.

I see that that the headlight harness on both sides has some missing insulation due to dry/cracked insulation so I ordered the harnesses. It’s rhe only reason I can think unless someone has any thing else I can check.

raymond g-

that high brake light behind the rear headrest is not part of the warning system according to the manual. these are....


(2) H6W dim bulbs inside the high beam reflector,
(2) front bumper side clearance bulbs,
(2) dual filament bulbs on the outside edge of the tails
(2) single filament bulbs on the inside edge of the outer tails

...then, when you step on the brake,
(2) second of the dual filaments light up on the outside edge of the tails

....don't neglect to eyeball,
(2) lights above the rear license plate
(2) lights when shifted into REVERSE
(1) rear fog light on left rear, when headlight rotary switch pulled 2 clicks
(2) front fog lights in front,when rotary switch pulled 1 click

....and natch,
(2) low beam
(2) high beam(2) H6W dim bulbs inside the high beam reflector,
(2) front bumper side clearance bulbs,
(2) dual filament bulbs on the outside edge of the tails
(2) single filament bulbs on the inside edge of the outer tails

...then, when you step on the brake,
(2) second of the dual filaments light up on the outside edge of the tails

....don't neglect to eyeball,
(2) lights above the rear license plate
(2) lights when shifted into REVERSE
(1) rear fog light on left rear, when headlight rotary switch pulled 2 clicks
(2) front fog lights in front,when rotary switch pulled 1 click

....and natch,
(2) low beam
(2) high beam

Paulcomi

So the dual filament on the brake lights I’m now wondering if the smaller filament is what is used basically when parking lights are turned on and then when you step on the break it lights fulfillments is that correct or is it just dual filament for a bright light when stepping on the brake only? In other words do the brake lamps perform double duty as driving lights and brake lights?

raymond g-

yes, dual purpose: one filament is for running light. step on brake and both filaments light up.

photo HERE may help

or park rear of car next to store window at night etc

Paulcomi

Now I understand but both filaments are not actually wired together the only reason that they’re both on at the same time is because the running light stays constantly lit and the brake light is the brighter filament which is added when the brake is pressed

Paulcomi

That fixed it! On my car when the car has the driving lights on the brake light lamp is illuminated on its lowest setting which is the high meaning the tallest filament inside the bulb when the brakes are applied power is applied to the small filament in the bulb.

If anyone else is having trouble with an old E3 20 and they don’t feel like spending for new brake light assembly is here is what I did:

1. Solder wires to each of the two filaments on a new bulb. Try not to use too much solder and keep the exposed wire to a very short distance so that they don’t get in the way when you insert them in the bulb holder.

2. Use needle nose pliers and remove all the metal contacts inside the plastic board holder. This bulb holder is just going to be a receptacle for holding the bulb into the tail light assembly.

3. Cut a longer piece of wire to be used for the ground wire. Connect one end of this ground wire to the chassis. There is a small bolt to the side of the tail light inside the trunk on both sides that I used.

4. Make a direct connection to the brake and driving light wires to the bulb.

raymond g-

yes, sounds like a cheap option for those who inclined to go this route

same here

for same problem some have used brass sheet or gold foil between the
bulb socket butterfly wings/contacts and the metal taillight plate

Paulcomi

Wiring a replacement socket would be a good option. Just ordered a pair of those Dorman sockets. Thanks for sharing.

This car was in an accident last year and the insurance co wanted to total it. We soared it and had it fixed so we could give the car to my 19 year old for his first car.

Paulcomi

The all plastic Dorman socket is garbage. I still got bulb out indication warnings. But I found another Dorman socket that is hard plastic with metal connectors and importantly has metal lock ring for the bulb when seated and it is more secure.

Heres what I am now using.


Dorman 85820. Double bulb socket for AMC/GM.

iezzif

Are you supposed to use a canceler when replacing the OE parking light bulb with LED?

raymond g-

I don't feel there is a 'suppose to' answer here as it involves details in construction of the bulb. some LED bulbs
incorporate a resister to allow their use in a CANBUS or load sensitive circuit. but the parking bulb is steady and
not a blinker so it isn't as critical. the only way to answer your question is to test it as-is. I have also asked the
seller if they would guarantee bulb functioni before I buy it for use in a car

iezzif

Thanks Raymond!
I put a filament bulb back in and had no issues.