qha000

Hi all,
The failure indicator lamp in the cluster on my 97 S600 lights up even after I changed all the rear bulbs to the specs. I have narrowed it down to the brake lights causing the failure and was wondering if there is anything else invoved other than the bulb. Thanks.

dmacgreg

I had an intermittent bulb failure indicator go on intermittently a while ago. Only went on when I applied the brakes. Replaced both "normal" brake light bulbs and the indicator lamp went out - for a while. Eventually it came back on and I determined that the third brake light bulb was not working and when I went to replace it the contacts were looking pretty corroded. It is a relatively high-current bulb and the contacts had degraded over time.

Got a new bulb, cleaned the contacts and no more problems (why do I even say that????).

Rod Spohn

I had the same problem but only with the third light. I would take it out sand the ends of the bulb and it would work again for a while. After several times I just changed the bulb for a new one and have had no problem since. ( over a year). Not sure why that worked since the old one would work once cleaned up. Bulbs are cheep, you may want to give it a try.

qha000

I ended up buying bulbs from the dealer ($8/piece) and still the same problem. Is there anything else involved that causes the failure indicator to turn on other than the bulbs? Thanks.

dmacgreg

When I had a similar problem I had to clean the contacts in addition to replacing the bulb. The contacts corrode over time due to the relatively high current. Corrosion equals high resistance thus less current which can be detected as a bulb failure....

Rod Spohn

I use it all the time so forgot to mention it. I also use a spray electrical lube when I replace bulbs or conect pig tails. It seems to have worked well over the years. I know of no other reason for the light to keep coming on, sorry. Good Luck