Hello all, I am hoping I can get some advice on diagnosing and fixing rear tail light issues I am having on my 2006 R350. Currently, the auxiliary/secondary/back up bulbs are working. But the main tail lights and brake lights are not working. I have replaced the bulbs and that has not fixed the issue. I have read several places that it could be the SAM Module. I guess it is common for water to get into these modules and fry the connections. Should I start by inspecting the SAM Module? I purchased my R350 recently from the original owner who was an elderly man. This R350 is completely stock with no aftermarket wiring or stero equipment that could cause issues. There is no visible sign of water entering the rear area. But, that's not to say that at one point water could've gotten in. I am just wondering if anyone has experienced this issue and has some good advice that could save me some time. I am not very experienced with electrical issues on vehicles. I'm trying to see if I can repair this on my own instead of paying insane labor fees at a Mercedes shop. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
Not a bad idea to inspect the rear SAM, it's at the top right of the spare tire compartment next to the fuse box. Would be hard for water to get onto it but not impossible. Are there any errors on the dash?
On the W251, the running lights are also the brake lights. The rear SAM dims them to half brightness for running light function.
On the W251, the running lights are also the brake lights. The rear SAM dims them to half brightness for running light function.
@tsumi : thank you for your response to my post. I am seeing notifications on my dash such as "Rear left tailight, Rear right brake light, etc." notifying me that they are not working. But no other type of codes/error messages. The notifications are just like they would be if I simply had a burned out bulb. But like I said, I have replaced every bulb in the rear tail light and brake lights. The blinker lights and reverse lights seem to be unaffected? Any direction you can provide would be greatly appreciated!
Lights are controlled directly by the rear SAM. I would check to make sure all the contacts are clean and are making good contact in the bulb holders.
