SL/R230: Odd Headlight Issue
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 4
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2003 SL500
Odd Headlight Issue
First of all, I'd like to start off by saying I am new to anything Mercedes. However, I do have moderate knowledge when it comes to mechanical work. Albeit, I very much dislike diagnosing electrical.
I have owned this 2003 SL500 for less than a week. There's several issues, like the SBC brake pump warning, I've found out about already. I'll probably put some more questions up related to those as well.
Anyway. First thing's first. I've already tested bulbs with either new ones or the known working ones (from the working side).
Driver side low beam (HID) does not work. Passenger one does. Passenger high beam (H7) does not work. Driver side does.
Also not working are the Passenger side fender/marker light and the Passenger side parking light (the little one in the high beam). Passenger turn signal also does not work.
All rear lights and mirror turns work as they should.
Could this be a CAN bus issue or something else? I would assume since at least one high and one low as well as one side turn working suggests it's not a fuse/relay problem.
FWIW, I do have an NT510 on its way. Should be here tomorrow. But I am getting a light warning/notice on the dash.
Any and all help is much appreciated. Thank you.
I have owned this 2003 SL500 for less than a week. There's several issues, like the SBC brake pump warning, I've found out about already. I'll probably put some more questions up related to those as well.
Anyway. First thing's first. I've already tested bulbs with either new ones or the known working ones (from the working side).
Driver side low beam (HID) does not work. Passenger one does. Passenger high beam (H7) does not work. Driver side does.
Also not working are the Passenger side fender/marker light and the Passenger side parking light (the little one in the high beam). Passenger turn signal also does not work.
All rear lights and mirror turns work as they should.
Could this be a CAN bus issue or something else? I would assume since at least one high and one low as well as one side turn working suggests it's not a fuse/relay problem.
FWIW, I do have an NT510 on its way. Should be here tomorrow. But I am getting a light warning/notice on the dash.
Any and all help is much appreciated. Thank you.
Last edited by nepasl500; Aug 31, 2024 at 12:03 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
The front lights on each side are controlled by the SAM on that side with the exception of the low beam which is controlled by the opposite side. In other words, all of those issues track back to the passenger SAM/fuse block. I would pull a couple of fuses and relays and see if you have blue corrosion there. Both of the front SAMs are prone to water intrusion, but I see more issues with the passenger side. The cover on that side is really hard to get put back on properly and if it doesn't get latched down water will flow in and through it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2003 SL500
The front lights on each side are controlled by the SAM on that side with the exception of the low beam which is controlled by the opposite side. In other words, all of those issues track back to the passenger SAM/fuse block. I would pull a couple of fuses and relays and see if you have blue corrosion there. Both of the front SAMs are prone to water intrusion, but I see more issues with the passenger side. The cover on that side is really hard to get put back on properly and if it doesn't get latched down water will flow in and through it.
Thanks. That might make sense given the horn doesn't work either. Neither does the windshield squirter. I believe that's all in that passenger side SAM.
