Another Dead Taillight?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 505
Likes: 288
From: Sammamish, WA
2011 E350 Wagon, 2010 GL450
Another Dead Taillight?
Hey folks,
I noticed yesterday that the right taillight wasn't illuminated after parking the car. I haven't been able to do any proper troubleshooting yet other than seeing the turn signal flash when I locked it, but I'm guessing it's bad and it'll need replacement. The thing is, I just replaced the left taillight! Fortunately they're not outrageously expensive, but it's crazy that both have gone bad now. I've inspected the rear SAM earlier this weekend and it's as dry as it's ever been. I pulled all of the harnesses out and none of them showed any signs of corrosion. I'm also not seeing any other unusual behavior so I don't suspect the SAM is the culprit.
What's everyone else's experience with the taillights? Is it unusual for them to burn out, or did I hit the jackpot?
I noticed yesterday that the right taillight wasn't illuminated after parking the car. I haven't been able to do any proper troubleshooting yet other than seeing the turn signal flash when I locked it, but I'm guessing it's bad and it'll need replacement. The thing is, I just replaced the left taillight! Fortunately they're not outrageously expensive, but it's crazy that both have gone bad now. I've inspected the rear SAM earlier this weekend and it's as dry as it's ever been. I pulled all of the harnesses out and none of them showed any signs of corrosion. I'm also not seeing any other unusual behavior so I don't suspect the SAM is the culprit.
What's everyone else's experience with the taillights? Is it unusual for them to burn out, or did I hit the jackpot?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
For some reason, they just don't last. I've replaced more rear bulbs on my GL than on all the other cars I've owned combined. Another quirk is that on early GLs, the warning message for them that a bulb is burned out is backwards (right is really left/left is really right).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
My 2007 seems to get the right side when a bulb burns out.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
