2003 CLK C209 3rd Brake light LED's

[deltashad]

Hi all

A few months ago the plastic covering on the 3rd brake light broke, not a huge problem, I glued it back on and it's been fine, although three or four LED's have now decided to stop working.

I have been to Mercedes to buy a new one and was quoted around £90. Is there a cheap fix for this or shall I have to put my hands in my pockets?

 

[sjmaxwell]

I believe I've seen this somewhere else on this forum and it is a common problem. Dont know if its down to the screws being too tight and when the plastic expands it cracks but there are ebay sellers, one selling a new one for £80 including P & P

 

[IanW]

Hi,

I went through exactly the same - plastic cover fell off, superglue, then 6 months later three of the LEDs failing.

I repaiered mine, though I should warn you that although the parts were cheap, the amount of time spent doing it meant that buying a replacement would have been more cost effective!

I've been meaning to post a "how-to" with some pictures, but never got round to it.

The superglue joining the red cover back on was too strong, so the grey plastic body was dremilled along it's length. Inside, there is a PCB carrying the 12 PLCC4 red-amber LEDs, some current limiting resistors, and three or four resistors wired straight across the supply - presumably to match the current consumption of a non-LED version. One of these had burnt out, taking a couple of LEDs and PCB tracks with it.

Repair consists of replacing the LEDS - AVAGO, available from Farnell, I'll see if I can dig out the part number - repairing the PCB tracks and replacing the under rated resistors with something more suitable. Finally, loads of Araldite hold the whole thing together, and it's been working OK for about a year.

Before you go any further, check out the size of an AVAGO PLCC4 LED. Look for "CHMSL application". Then decide if you can solder them.

I'll get back to you on the Farnell part number.

Ian.

 

[CLKdream]

Hi, any update on this issue?
I just discovered that 4 of the LED's of my CLK's third stop have failed and I was wondering how easy (or difficult) is to replace it myself. I've found a complete third stop on ebay at a reasonable 70 pounds and I would like at least to save the labour cost by doing it myself. How do I remove it and replace it?
Thanks

 

[GP801]

I have just replaced the 3rd brake light on mine. It just sort of cracked and fell out. Well known issue apparently. Dealer had 4 in stock! £83 inc VAT so I would not bother with the e-bay one. Easy to fit 20mins in total. Its a bit fiddly but not hard. Undo the plastic clips holding the boot lid trim. Unscrew the plastic cover for the boot catch - 2 screws. You can then pull the trim away enough to change the light. There are 2 nuts to release the bracket and the electrical connector. If I can do it then anyone can.

 

[Alps]

replacement is the easiest way unless you have a pro solder station

 

[CLKdream]

Ok, I bought my new third stop at the MB dealer for 83 quid and installed it myself in just half an hour and it looks brilliant (literally).

 

[Marcel-Anthony]

Sorry to bump and old post, My on my o4 clk the third brake light was completely broken off. I have removed it today. but when I got to replace it, the only thing I could not get of was the plastic cover under the locking latch of the boot. I undid the screws and the black plastic cover would slide along but I could not remove it to get the boot lining cover off. How do do I do this.

Thanks
Marcel-Anthony