Driver side headlight wiring problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
1999 E320 4 door sedan
Driver side headlight wiring problem
Driver side headlight is not illuminating. The high beam and running lights work fine, it is only headlight not lighting. I have checked the left side wiring harness for the headlight on right side and it is functioning properly. So I checked with an Ohm meter to discover that headlight wire (brown and yellow; position 1 and 2 in plug) are not working. I traced the wiring from harness to wiring running from fuse box to headlight wiring harness and discovered that the brown and yellow when checked are not giving a good reading on meter. Couldn't find a blown fuse.
So looking for suggestions to try and resolve.
I drive a 1999 E320 4 door sedan.
So looking for suggestions to try and resolve.
I drive a 1999 E320 4 door sedan.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
1999 E320 4 door sedan
clarification on headlight wiring issue
My apologies. Driver side headlight is out due to wiring. I checked the driver side wiring harness on the passenger side and works perfectly so its not the headlight wiring harness. When I tried to read the voltage in the driver side headlight socket and the plug running from fuse box to wiring harness, there was no reading at all. Again, the bad readings were on the brown and yellow wires(position 1 and 2 on the plug) only on the driver side headlight. all other light sockets and plugs read at 12 v. That said, all readings were perfect at 12v on both driver and passenger side except the headlight wiring on driver side. Therefore, I am assuming and maybe incorrectly, that the wiring running from fuse box to driver side is the problem. If I am wrongly assuming, this is where I would appreciate your help.
I am a amateur trying to save the dealer from crushing me on this. Any suggestions are appreciated.
I am a amateur trying to save the dealer from crushing me on this. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Last edited by woodstockmichae; Jun 3, 2019 at 09:56 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 178
From: Seattle WA
99 E320
okay, you implied that you were checking for resistance in your first post so that had me thinking in a different direction.
there may be an inline fuse built into the headlight wiring so look for a bulge/stiffness in the insulation like a snake
had swallowed a rabbit or something. the w210 wiring is known to suffer from insulation which decomposes prematurely
so inspect them very carefully...especially the city bulb socket/wiring.
try reviewing the wiring schematics here. most of the 210 wiring are nearly identical save for few features
wiring
wiring2
wiring3
there may be an inline fuse built into the headlight wiring so look for a bulge/stiffness in the insulation like a snake
had swallowed a rabbit or something. the w210 wiring is known to suffer from insulation which decomposes prematurely
so inspect them very carefully...especially the city bulb socket/wiring.
try reviewing the wiring schematics here. most of the 210 wiring are nearly identical save for few features
wiring
wiring2
wiring3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
If all else fails - if you have a Mercedes Indie in your area that would be your best fallback - since MB dealer tech's don't have much hands on experience with a W210 now-a-days - and indie shop labor time is lower than dealer shop labor time.
Keep the beat !
Keep the beat !
