Beckmb

HI my E-430 project has more gremlins than I expected. I noticed last week that the headlight on the passenger side is very dim compared to the driver side. Then I decided to see what happens when I turn on the hi beams. To my surprise it kills the engine automatically.

So I turned the key to off position and then on, then I turned off the hi beam and the car starts and runs. Once you hit the hi-beam again it kills the car automatically. Has anyone run into this before ?

fabbrisd1

You might check the Headlight Harness behind that headlight - depending on the headlight that you have there you might need a replacement aftermarket harness - always check you are ordering correct harness for your MB:

Beckmb

I will order one tomorrow but in the meantime I will see if there is any change if I unplug the connection form the headlight.

khomer2

You never specified the year. Update your user cp info.
Eco-harness issues with earlier year MBs.

Beckmb

The year and model is a 2000 E430.

Beckmb

Earlier tonight

I went to check the connections and saw several brown wires near the harness. Not sure if these wires are supposed to be grounded to the body.

Beckmb

It appears we have two problems the ground wires are completely rotted off the frame of the car. In addition, there appears to be both bi-Xenon and Halogen headlights for this car.

The driver’s side is Bi Xenon and the passenger side is halogen that was replaced. The halogen only has two connections VS Bi Xenon that has three connections. I removed the old halogen to investigate.

Halogen-Two Connections

Bi Xenon Three connection

khomer2

Xenon?
Cant mix them, I dont think.

Verify with your datacard to see what you had/have.

Up to early 97, the eco harness was in play.

Replace/repair your ground wires and provide proper, clean grounding to the body.

Beckmb

Thanks the person before me apparently replaced the light with the wrong one. After running the VIN with the dealer we confirmed the car has non halogen lights.

Beckmb

Problem solved temporarily. I took the corroded wires and cleaned them up and screwed them back into the frame. now when I hit the Hi-Beams the engine does not shut-off