Headlight and brake light issues
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Mercedes ML550
Headlight and brake light issues
Hello - for clarity on a scale of 1-10, I'm about a level 3 mechanic so please excuse my terminology.
I have a 2008 ml550. The left front low beam headlight does not work; I've changed the bulb and headlight assembly and still doesn't work. However the high beam does work so I know it's getting power. Occasionally it will work randomly as I'm driving and then go off. The same is with the left rear brake light. I've replaced the bulb and it will work for a week or so and then stop working. Any help is appreciated.
I have a 2008 ml550. The left front low beam headlight does not work; I've changed the bulb and headlight assembly and still doesn't work. However the high beam does work so I know it's getting power. Occasionally it will work randomly as I'm driving and then go off. The same is with the left rear brake light. I've replaced the bulb and it will work for a week or so and then stop working. Any help is appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Hello - for clarity on a scale of 1-10, I'm about a level 3 mechanic so please excuse my terminology.
I have a 2008 ml550. The left front low beam headlight does not work; I've changed the bulb and headlight assembly and still doesn't work. However the high beam does work so I know it's getting power. Occasionally it will work randomly as I'm driving and then go off. The same is with the left rear brake light. I've replaced the bulb and it will work for a week or so and then stop working. Any help is appreciated.
I have a 2008 ml550. The left front low beam headlight does not work; I've changed the bulb and headlight assembly and still doesn't work. However the high beam does work so I know it's getting power. Occasionally it will work randomly as I'm driving and then go off. The same is with the left rear brake light. I've replaced the bulb and it will work for a week or so and then stop working. Any help is appreciated.
Major Dundee could probably inform you more on likely issues if you provide the vin,
But have e you looked at water intrusion in the front and rear Sam?
These are known issues.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Check for water intrusion for the front Sam. It is in the front passenger footwell. Leaks appear through the sunroof or a spilt drink.
The rear Sam leaks are caused by faulty seals of the rear taillight.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Do you have a scanner that can read codes in all of your 25 or so modules?
Did the front and rear lighting issues occur at the same time?
When the brake light problem occurs, does the auxiliary brake light come on?
Remove the left tail lamp and then remove the brake light bulb and see if there is a burn mark on the contact strip. If so you must clean & solder the burn mark to make it level again.
While you have the tail lamp out, is the seal affixed to the lamp? If so you must replace both of them as they were incorrectly installed at the assembly plant, as they should have been installed on the body opening.
The headlamp issue will be addressed after this issue.
Please answer all questions.
Last edited by Maj. Dundee; Mar 17, 2019 at 03:39 PM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
2008 ML350 4Matic
I am not able to post a photo at this time but the actual frame of the light where the bulb socket screws in has a small "arc mark" (for a lack of better terms). In another post on this site, the member identified the burn mark and said they used a dremel to get rid of the "burn" mark.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
I am not able to post a photo at this time but the actual frame of the light where the bulb socket screws in has a small "arc mark" (for a lack of better terms). In another post on this site, the member identified the burn mark and said they used a dremel to get rid of the "burn" mark.
