Rear lights not working
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 2
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Rear lights not working
Hi folks i have a 2007 ML63, I have an issue where all lights at the back of the SUV have stopped working. Iv heard it could be the control module but could it be something simple before I go changing this module? Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
Water logged rear SAM would be a solid starting point. It's also possible that the bulbs have all shorted out or the plugs to the light clusters are corroded.
Any bulb warning messages on the instrument cluster?
Any bulb warning messages on the instrument cluster?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Thanks for the response, ive checked the area for water damage but doesnt appear to be any and the cluster is telling me left and right bulbs for reverse, break, tail and 3rd light are all not working. If there is no one fuse or check power to or from the SAM i might just order one off ebay but they arent cheap.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 543
Likes: 191
W221 S500
Thanks for the response, ive checked the area for water damage but doesnt appear to be any and the cluster is telling me left and right bulbs for reverse, break, tail and 3rd light are all not working. If there is no one fuse or check power to or from the SAM i might just order one off ebay but they arent cheap.
Remove the rear SAM and take the cover off. Inspect everything from the plug on the body harnesses to the circuit board itself. Any hint of verdigris, spray it thoroughly with electrical contact cleaner and go over it with an extremely soft brush... Something along the lines of a baby's toothbrush. Allow to dry and plug it back in to test.
Also remove the rear light clusters and thoroughly inspect the bulb holders and their associated contact surfaces. Repair/replace as required.
Also consider that the W164, like many modern cars, has the facility to illuminate different bulbs if it senses failure. For example it will use a tail light or fog light if a brake light bulb fails. A consequence of this is that you see the message and when you check, the bulbs appear to be working. Cross check the lights that are illuminating with those detailed in the owners manual.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 7
From: Florida
I have a 2010 ML350 and chased messaged fails for a couple months. My Indy says 2 things odd with the W164 is the rear lights are buggy and the rear brake pads wear faster than the fronts (Never knew of a car that did that)
By 2010 they raised the SAM higher to minimize the water problem but if you see rubber seals dry rotted you might want to keep a quality tape over any gap
I am serious I would change out a socket, fix it and then a never had a problem light would message the dash. Then it would message while driving but when I got home turned it off and restarted no message.
We are the rear lights and we want you to know we are in charge
By 2010 they raised the SAM higher to minimize the water problem but if you see rubber seals dry rotted you might want to keep a quality tape over any gap
I am serious I would change out a socket, fix it and then a never had a problem light would message the dash. Then it would message while driving but when I got home turned it off and restarted no message.
We are the rear lights and we want you to know we are in charge
