Active Headlight Unavailable?
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ML550
Active Headlight Unavailable?
The message "active headlight unavailable" has started popping up in my dash display.
I'm assuming this means there's an issue with the active headlamp control system, but I'm not sure. Has anyone encounter this before, and what was the fix?
I'm assuming this means there's an issue with the active headlamp control system, but I'm not sure. Has anyone encounter this before, and what was the fix?
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
I get this message every time I unhook the battery. The fix for me is to re-synch them by turning the steering wheel all the way to full lockout, in both directions.
Might not be your issue, but it's free to try.
Might not be your issue, but it's free to try.
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ML550
Thanks, this is helpful. My guess is that when I installed my headers this past weekend, I had to pivot the front wheels left-to-right in order rotate the steering colum linkage back into position to be reattached. That probably messed up the synchronization with the headlights. I'll do the suggested "remedy" this evening and see if that takes care of the issue.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 6
ML550
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 6
ML550
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 6
ML550
The stud will be easy since you will likely install it when there is no manifold or header in place. My experience has been that about 80% of the studs will back out of the cylinder header as you attempt to remove the copper locknuts on the exhaust flanges. Once you've mounted the header onto the studs, it is attaching and tightening the lower nut on #7, particularly if you have larger hands like some of us, that may have you momentarily contemplating suicide because of the tight accessibility due to the snaking around of gleaming polished stainless steel tube primaries. 
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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ML550
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
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From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
ive got the same error, unfortunately my warranty finished about a month ago (typical).
gonna read the error codes as it could also be a chaffed wire for which there is a MB tech doc to fix. otherwise i hear there is a motor available from a different mb model which is the same and is available seperately.
will report back on findings
gonna read the error codes as it could also be a chaffed wire for which there is a MB tech doc to fix. otherwise i hear there is a motor available from a different mb model which is the same and is available seperately.
will report back on findings
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
Hi DVC
no progress at present, i know its the right hand light motor, mbenznl has confirms its most likely the motor, so im on the hunt for either a used light unit or a broken Active light unit which i can use as spares. Luckily all the beams seem to be pointing correctly so the car is still drivable.
no progress at present, i know its the right hand light motor, mbenznl has confirms its most likely the motor, so im on the hunt for either a used light unit or a broken Active light unit which i can use as spares. Luckily all the beams seem to be pointing correctly so the car is still drivable.
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From: USA
'06 E55 AMG
Hi DVC
no progress at present, i know its the right hand light motor, mbenznl has confirms its most likely the motor, so im on the hunt for either a used light unit or a broken Active light unit which i can use as spares. Luckily all the beams seem to be pointing correctly so the car is still drivable.
no progress at present, i know its the right hand light motor, mbenznl has confirms its most likely the motor, so im on the hunt for either a used light unit or a broken Active light unit which i can use as spares. Luckily all the beams seem to be pointing correctly so the car is still drivable.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
Ok today i unplugged the light, plugged back in, still no good, light was facing oncoming traffic although still pointing downwards so not too much of a prob, just for my vision.
plugged in star and carried out the force left and right on the corning light function and the motor kind of made a loud wirring sound and came back to life, all works good again, passes all the tests and no more irritating dash error!, i will still stay on the hunt for a broken UK light in case it goes again. cant believe RHD and LHD units are different.
motor might have slipped a cog and got stuck and then unstuck, i think i got away lightly
cornering active lights are not a common option in the uk so quite hard to find a used one
thanks for all the comments and help so far tho!
plugged in star and carried out the force left and right on the corning light function and the motor kind of made a loud wirring sound and came back to life, all works good again, passes all the tests and no more irritating dash error!, i will still stay on the hunt for a broken UK light in case it goes again. cant believe RHD and LHD units are different.
motor might have slipped a cog and got stuck and then unstuck, i think i got away lightly
cornering active lights are not a common option in the uk so quite hard to find a used one
thanks for all the comments and help so far tho!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 639
Likes: 33
From: London UK
E63s s213 2019 ,SOLD E63 Weistec, E55, C36
active headlights move with your steering but only after 20mph, so stationary you would not notice anything, yes, on dark country roads they are excellent!
