W202 auto headlight adjusment

[amg3.6]

Can the auto headlight adjusment be simply replaced? And is it costly?

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Do you mean the vacuum levelling system that is adjusted by a thumb wheel on the dash, standard on the W202, or the computer controlled system that is fitted when xenons are standard equipment?

 

[amg3.6]

Hi andy i mean the xenons computer controlled

 

[andy27168]

Bit confused, do you want fit the computer controlled one or remove it?

 

[amg3.6]

I want remove it. How does a new one cost?

 

[andy27168]

Why don,t you repair yours? whats wrong with it?

 

[amg3.6]

Mine isn't working checked all connections thourghley

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
If you get the car plugged into STAR it can communicate with the system and check the components of the system.
There is really very little to go wrong on this system to be honest.
Do the headlights do anything when you turn them on at the moment?

 

[amg3.6]

The headlights work fine just the auto adjustment doesn't work at all. Checked the fuse and connections everything is fine

 

[andy27168]

I would of thought if the system was non-functioning the headlights would be pointing to the floor, have you looked at the link arms on the suspension sensors as well?
If so then all thats left to do is to get it plugged it into STAR, as this will pinpoint your fault.

 

[amg3.6]

I haven't checked the suspension sensors. Any thing to look out for apart from loose connection?

 

[andy27168]

I would be very surprised if theres anything wrong with the sensors as they are pretty much bullet proof, but the arm from the sensor to the suspension arm do rust away, it will be pretty much obvous when you look at it.
If you need anymore info let me know as I have retro fitted this system to my 43 when i fitted OEM Xenons and headlamp Wash/wipe.

 

[amg3.6]

I will have a look tommorow thanks andy if i need more info i will ask you

 

[amg3.6]

Checked to see if i have current in wires which are connected to the auto headlight adjustment all are showing 2.8v so the power is there. I think the auto adjustment is bust? Would it be expensive from dealers or is there an cheaper alternative?

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
The voltage you are reading is meaningless, without knowing what it should be, and its highly unlikely the levelling motors operate at 2.8V anyway. (Current is measured in Amps not Volts by the way).
I take it the link arms from the atitude sensors to the suspension are Intact?
Have you had it connected to STAR yet?
To buy the system new from MB would be prohibitively expensive, better sourcing parts second hand, the system shares parts with the 210 and 208, exactly what i,m not sure as i have no EPC access at the moment.
The system is required for Xenons so cannot/should,nt be removed.
Besides it would/will be easier just to repair your existing system.
When you turn the headlights on you should see them rise to their highest point, then down to their lowest point, then back to level. Do either of yours do this as it was unclear from your earlier post in this thread.

 

[amg3.6]

Hi andy no the lights don't go up or down at all. Checked sensors thats fine. I personally think its the levelling soleiond i have managed to source one and find one other will try it and see if it works

 

[amg3.6]

The new leveller has arrived i have tried it but nothing has changed. Andy apart from the fuse is there a relay?

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
Solenoid? there are no solenoids in the system.
The system consists of, 1 front suspension sensor (drivers side), 1 rear suspension sensor (drivers side), headlight alignment motors (1 per headlight), and a control unit in the Passenger Side footwell, behind the plate.
Have you had it put on STAR? this should pinpoint your fault, otherwise you could replace every item in the system, IMO you are wasting your time until you do this.
If your lights are at the correct level now and they don,t move via. the auto levelling system you will need to plug it into STAR to get the system zeroed anyway.

 

[amg3.6]

What does the control unit look like is it next to gear box ecu? I did have it plugged into star it was picking a fault saying canbus pin contact. Just a thougt if its located near the gearbox ecu then oil could have got into it as i recently changed the pilot bush due to it leaking what you think andy?

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
If I was having this error code on STAR I would check for continuity between the control unit and the diagnostic plug, you may find the pin for the levelling system has been pushed back into the diagnostic socket (mine did this) though the levelling system still worked, STAR just could,nt communicate with it, but worth checking, from memory it is purple in colour and runs from the diagnostic socket to the Control Unit.
The control unit is fitted next to the gearbox ECU and is approx. the same size, it is Blue in colour, but I don,t think it will be oil contamination thats your problem.
It might also be worth checking the sensors are plugged in fully.
You can access these from inside the boot and under the bonnet, front one comes through the inner wing behind the header tank, and the rear one comes through on the edge of the spare wheel well by the boot fuse box.