SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Light Sensor error - Drive to Workshop

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Old Nov 25, 2022 | 02:57 AM
  #1  
hydrogen's Avatar
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2005 SL500
Light Sensor error - Drive to Workshop

Hi,

I had an malfunction error on the dash after switching off the car.
A symbol of a light bulb and ‘Light Sensor error drive to workshop’.

I can’t find it in the manual, under lights or trouble shooting.

if anyone has had this error and what the problem or solution is.

thanks
Gerard.
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Old Nov 27, 2022 | 06:22 PM
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eatmycrackers's Avatar
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From: Dallas
2005 SL65 AMG, Motorcycle
Sounds like one of your bulbs is out. My screen displays a similar error when I try to use the left signal because that bulb is out. I would left the car running and inspect all of the lights when it is dark out to see if you have a brake or running light that has burned out.
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Old Nov 27, 2022 | 07:12 PM
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hydrogen's Avatar
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2005 SL500
Ok thanks mate, appreciated.
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Old Nov 28, 2022 | 12:40 PM
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imtheking's Avatar
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Former R230, W220 and W221 owner
I think this is the sensor located on the windshield right by your rear view mirror. It's the sensor that adjusts/dims the lights for your radio etc.. during the day/night.

This sensor is discontinued. you will need to buy it from amazon/ebay/junkyard. i think it's like $30 and simple to replace

Part # A2308211851

here's YT video- different mercedes but same fix



Last edited by imtheking; Nov 28, 2022 at 04:02 PM.
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Old Feb 27, 2023 | 01:55 PM
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sl500 r230
Did you ever resolve the "light sensor" error? Was it one of the modules behind the rearview mirror?
Thanks.
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Old Feb 28, 2023 | 07:44 AM
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Former R230, W220 and W221 owner
Originally Posted by xerxes
Did you ever resolve the "light sensor" error? Was it one of the modules behind the rearview mirror?
Thanks.
I replaced it and it was fixed temporarily before it went bad again. i had a shop do it and I provided the part I bought from Ebay

At this point, I just live with it. The lights in the car still dim at night etc....don't feel like spending money to figure out such a minor issue
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