w204 all rear lights on passenger side gone

[carsnstuff]

as above really.. also the dash indicator light is flashing in double time on that side but when you go outside the actual indicator is flashing normaly

dash cluster reads the following malfunctions... rear tail light, rear turn signal, rear marker rear fog light

any help would be appreciated

09 c180k

 

[Trickythemerc]

Could be an earth problem. Check all the bulbs and the connection to the light unit, cheap chinese bulbs can cause problems. Another possible outcome could be a SAM issue.

 

[Ted]

On a W204, I would be checking the earth (brown wire) connection on the rear lamp unit, especially checking the plug into the unit doesn’t show signs of heat damage/burning.

 

[carsnstuff]

Hi thanks ted, so this is what i found and it looks like what you said... so I take it i should replace the holder, plug and bulbs and hope its not the SAM blowing it?

 

[markjay]

On the pre-facelift, there's a common fault where the plug behind the rear light cluster overheats and melts the plug. This is due to poor/corroded contacts. Is this your issue?

 

[Ted]

The good news is it’s not the SAM that is blowing it.
That does look a bit messy. If it were me, I would try to get another holder, then at least you know the connections inside the holder are good.
Regarding the melted wires, I would cut them back to where they are good, then solder a fresh wire between the cut end you made to the track (if that is possible- might be aluminium).
TBH , it might be worth getting a replacement holder and showing what you have to a good auto electrician and seeing if they can sort it.
Also change the bulbs - they are starting to look black.
And check the other side to see if it isn’t similar.

There is no mystery to what has happened, it’s simply bad design and implementation. The wiring/connector, especially the earth can’t cope with the amount of current flowing especially if you have side/brake/indicators on - not an unusual situation if you are waiting to turn at lights at night.

Once it is sorted you shouldn’t have any more problems

 

[Landie1]

I had the same issue. have a look at this thread
W204 Rear Light Burnout | Electronics and Audio

 

[carsnstuff]

cool thanks guys, have ordered the bits and will give them a try when they come, have unplugged them all for now and taped up the ends... one thing i have noticed though is that with everything unplugged, is that the cabin indicator light on that side is still double flashing... so even though The SAM wasn't the cause of the problem I hope the problem I have hasn't damaged it.

 

[carsnstuff]

all fixwd and working cheers guys!