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A couple of years ago I gave my daughter our 2004 E500 after a 100K spruce up that included recent brakes, both front air shocks, new tires, and batteries. She's got about 165K on it now, still going strong, but she went for inspection and the local garage guy said she needs new tail lights (her description). I asked her to check if directionals and emergency flashers work and they do. I've heard the brake lights are some kind of LEDs but the guy in the Mobil station said they're $225 each?
So she failed, and we have 60 days to fix it. She's dropping the car here tomorrow and will borrow mine until I figure out if it's a Dad-fixit or I have to bring it in to the Mercedes guy I normally go to for bigger stuff. Can anyone give me a heads up on what might be the problem? Apparently, the tail lights are not working as well as the brake lights. I figured it's dual filament setup? Is it a plug/play part or just bulbs?
This, at least for my E350, was an easy DIY. I went ahead and replaced both while I was back there, even though it was likely that only one was at issue.
Someone mentioned the possibility of a faulty/stuck brake switch. I know somewhere along the line that brake switch was either replaced or dry-lubed by the shop a few years ago. I had no idea that the switch affected tail lights and brake lights. She hasn't showed up yet with the car so I will first check to see what the computer says as far as errors. Is the switch tough to replace? Or would a shot of dry silicon spray donthe job if it's stuck?
Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions. From what she told me on the phone last night, the rear directionals are working as are the hazards and backup lights. The only thing supposedly NOT working were the running lights (tail lights) and brake lights. Are the hazards the same bulbs?
I am a little unclear about what exactly is out and whether she got error messages. There is a brown wire in the wiring harness at the hinge point in the trunk that tends to break over time. At least be aware of that. That usually affects power to the trunk as well.
OK... finally brought the car over this afternoon and it turns out they failed her for two (2) LED bulbs being dead in the third brake light (there's like a dozen in the unit). My daughter is a single career woman LOL, and she's a pretty much put the key in, start it and go girl. But it turned out the guy in the Mobil station was telling her that the light isn't a repairable item, you have to buy the whole assembly, and its $225 from Mercedes. I don't know the part number, but it looks like an easy enough fix... just remove the flocked panel to get access to the light assembly, swap it out and be done with it.
So now I have to find a source if there is one, that is maybe a little cheaper. Could probably solder in a couple of LEDs if I knew exactly what they were, I've done some tight electronics soldering and have the specialized adjustable temp soldering gun used for electronics repair work (worked in the Toy Biz way back when). But I think I'll go with a whole unit for now.
Quick Edit: Found this one on Carparts.com... are these guys reliable?
12-03-2018, 09:42 PM
