Front side marker lamp error message but I don't have them?

[NorwichChris]

Hi all,

So I am getting the 'front side marker lamp' error message for both left and right on a 2005 C class W203. But am I right in thinking it does not have these?! Both sidelights work and cannot see any other bulbs it could refer too. I believed these were the orange lights in the side of the front bumper you get in USA?

 

[Chrishazle]

Can't for sure remember for the 203, sold it too long ago, but in the 204 each side has 2 small 5w bulbs, one is the side marker and the other the parking light. Both are white on the front of the car, and they're a PITA to change as access is not great. Each has its own twist-off cap, then it's a straight pull to get the bulb holder out - may need a torch, inspection mirror and possibly cranked needle nose pliers!

 

[baxlin]

and they're a PITA to change as access is not great. Each has its own twist-off cap, then it's a straight pull to get the bulb holder out - may need a torch, inspection mirror and possibly cranked needle nose pliers!

That’s one thing Volvo have got right. To remove the front (head)light unit on my C70, you lift the bonnet, pull out one pin, then the unit eases out of the body. Disconnect one multi-plug, and take the unit to the bench to change bulbs. No tools, no broken finger nails, no blue language.......

Unfortunately, there’s also quite a bit Volvo didn’t get right, but that’s another story (or two or three).

 

[NorwichChris]

I have had a look and really can't see any other bulbs in there. The car had a new 'fuse box' apparently last year - could it be something weird like it's from a non UK car? Unless the bulb is hidden under the obscured glass of the indicator maybe?

 

[whitenemesis]

Has this message been displayed since the SAM (fuse box) was replaced? Or has it only started recently?

 

[NorwichChris]

I'm afraid the fuse box was replaced before I bought the car (last week) and just assumed/stupidly hoped it was a bulb that was out - so I am not sure. But I have 6 warning messages for lights so maybe it is still the SAM?

 

[whitenemesis]

My recommendation would be to get the car to a good independent MB specialist with STAR and check what the error codes are and quite possibly re-code the SAM?

 

[markjay]

The W203 will have on each side two H7 Halogens (if not HID), one 21W indicator bulb, and one 5W parking light bulb.

There are no 'sidelights' as such.

You can try replacing the 5W bulbs to see if it makes a difference.

But the issue could be either the front SAM, or a coding issue - e.g. is someone mistakenly SCN coded the car with options it does not actually have.

PS - I am assuming you do not have any LED-replacement bulbs anywhere on the car?

 

[markjay]

If the SAM was replaced, then it needs to be coded to the car, because the SAM needs to know what options are installed in the car.

 

[Petrol Pete]

That’s one thing Volvo have got right. To remove the front (head)light unit on my C70, you lift the bonnet, pull out one pin, then the unit eases out of the body. Disconnect one multi-plug, and take the unit to the bench to change bulbs. No tools, no broken finger nails, no blue language.......

Unfortunately, there’s also quite a bit Volvo didn’t get right, but that’s another story (or two or three).

let's hope no headlamp thieves read this ! what are they now, £300 each ?

 

[NorwichChris]

Hi, thanks for all you replies. Just to confirm it doesn't have any LED's anywhere however, it does have factory fitted HID's/xenons which also play up (work if switched on when the engine's off, don't work if switched on with the engine on but do then stay on if already on....!).

When the fuse box was fitted I noticed it still didn't fix the issue as the next MOT it mentions about it. Maybe it is a dodgy or wrongly coded SAM?