SL/R230: 05 SL500 left headlight goes out when accelerating
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 2
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2005 sl500
05 SL500 left headlight goes out when accelerating
Got a new weird problem going on with my SL. Started about a month ago, whenever I would do a hard acceleration my left headlight would go out than come back on. The problem got progressively worst and the light goes out as soon as I push the gas. I swapped the left headlight with the right side and it still does the same thing so it’s not in the light. It’s a real head scratcher as there’s no lights on the dash and nothing else wrong with the car. Can anybody point me in the rite direction as to where to look next? Maybe a body module?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 9
From: Vero Beach FL
2007 sl550
Check the wiring inside the Headlight assembly. Chances are the insulation has completely disintegrated by now giving the opportunity for short.
Very common on MB wiring of this time period.
Very common on MB wiring of this time period.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2005 sl500
i swapped the right headlight with the left to see if it was in the actual headlight assembly and it’s not. The right headlight goes out when plugged into the left side so the issue is not in the light.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 623
Likes: 213
From: My house
SL55AMG, GL450, SLK, S550, Maserati Coupe
Never had a problem with R230 headlights but I did have a 2007 GL450 that had an issue with the headlight. When replacing the ignitor, a square ballast for the HID headlight, I was amazed at how very thin the wiring was for the headlight and a lot of the insulation had fallen off. Reminded me of the engine harness issues of the mid-90s... These wires were like thread. I had to get liquid electrical tape, a rubber material that comes in a bottle with a brush, like nail polish, that you paint on and let dry. About six applications later, I was satisfied the wires were okay. You *might* have this sort of issue with your headlight wires? Probably not, but worth a look. Otherwise, a loose connection or wire?
