W203 Brake Bulb Problem

[ManJ]

Hi guys, as the title says...
Ive bought a 2005 C200 CDI Avantgarde Sport, lets start by saying I love the looks, and the drive... I dont drive fast so the engine size isnt an issue.
Only one fault (and the only I hope) when I start the car and put it into drive the dash throws up the warning "LEFT BRAKE LIGHT", now i have changed it but still have the same problem which is, it comes on then goes out an comes on then goes out and gives the warning.
Now I am aware that the rear fogs use the same bulb so when I turn them on it tells me "Rear Fog Light", then it says "Back Up Activated" or something along those lines...

Sorry for the long story, but need help!

Any comments welcome

 

[nigel cross]

Bad connection of bulb holder, carefully bend the sides in.

 

[ManJ]

For the brake light bulb only?

 

[nigel cross]

No, all the bulb holders

 

[BlackC55]

There are two bulbs for the rear side lights on each side.

if you still have issues there is a modified loom available from mb

 

[nickcc101]

On my estate one stop light bulb is a straight peg single contact, 12v21w, and the other offset peg double contact (stop & tail) 12v21w6w. As BlackC55 says two bulbs on either side.

 

[ManJ]

Right, tonight is the night! I will bend them in and fingers crossed!

 

[ManJ]

I have bent the pins slightly so that they touch the bulb but still no luck...
Anything else i can try as this is really frustrating?
Every time I press the brake, the left light comes on for a second then goes off, every time without fail.... So its not that it doesnt come on, just that it doesnt stay on whilst the brake is pressed. Hope this explains it better?

 

[miro]

Have you tried swapping the bulb out with the other side to see if it changes sides.

 

[ManJ]

yep! nothing!

 

[John Kerr]

yep! nothing!

Had the same problem with mine.New bulb holder cured it

 

[ManJ]

Right... Might be the thing to treat it then I guess... Where did you buy from, how much?

 

[Mike Walker]

Just had a similar problem on mine but drivers side. Looked at all the bulbs and couldnt see a problem. Popped into local dealer - Dartford Kent - spoke to Service Manager as car was in for work on overspray on paint to rear wheel arches under MB warranty - another story! He tok bulbs out changed one and bingo all OK. No charge either..... Result!:bannana:

 

[ManJ]

Hmm, I have just had it down to the local, (Indie not pub) and he said it will need a modified loom, I called Merc and they are £18 a piece and both sides are advised, can someone back this up, if this is a problem surely I shouldnt have to pay for it?

 

[BlackC55]

See post 5

 

[lynall]

How long do you think the warranty is for ? forever

Getcha wallet out.



Lynall

 

[ManJ]

Lynall, I totally understand that, but its obviously is a manufacturers fault? Therefore would we not expect Merc to pay?

 

[ManJ]

Right... here is the latest... I went to the Mercedes Dealer today (Nottingham) they said they have never heard of such thing as the modified loom which would help the Brake lights. They said that there was one for the front indicators but nothing for the rear...
Can someone shine a little more light on this.

I have also changed the bulb holder plates from the 2 sides with each other and it still says left stop lamp so it definatley isnt the backing plate...

Any comments welcome...

 

[miro]

Right... here is the latest... I went to the Mercedes Dealer today (Nottingham) they said they have never heard of such thing as the modified loom which would help the Brake lights. They said that there was one for the front indicators but nothing for the rear...
Can someone shine a little more light on this.

I have also changed the bulb holder plates from the 2 sides with each other and it still says left stop lamp so it definatley isnt the backing plate...

Any comments welcome...

The loom is an "between" cable with a resistor. I had one in my car for several years before I went for the 2005 upgrade with the matching wiring harness.

 

[ManJ]

Miro
So when you went for the mod were you having the same problem as me?