W210 brake light

[MrWibble]

My 98MY W210 E320 developed a problem with the RH brake light - appears to be the bulb holder so will replace however another problem has manifested itself.

With no lights on pressing the brake pedal results in the front left side-light lighting and apparently draining current from other lights (internal lights + parking indicators dim). All lights work fine from headlight switch.

Removing the errant brake light bulb holder and pressing brake pedal results in flickering of lights and clicking relays.

What are odds this is related to the bulb holder ? Anyone come across this before ?

Will update when new pink bulb holder installed.

 

[Dieselman]

If it does it with the holder removed, it can't be that. Try unplugging the cluster and try again, also check the other bulbs and holders on both sides of the car.
It sounds like you have a leak back in the n/s cluster unit.

 

[jonathan]

hi from a first time user i had the same problem with a mark 3 escort years ago it turned out to be an earth problem the earth was shorted to the live and back feeding everything pull the connector off clean up the connections and put it back on if its still there remove the bulbs one by one until the problem goes when a bulb blows some times it can short out the pins hope it works.

 

[MrWibble]

Update : The rear light cluster has been cleaned up and is now working however the headlight switch appears to be controlling the other issue.

Without the engine running turning the lights on (either side or full) and pressing the brake pedal results in the lights flickering throughout the dash - perhaps something shorting.

This issue goes away with the engine running - normal service resumed AFAIK - will double check later with mirror to check if left side-light is still lighting.

So what are likely suspects ?

Headlight switch - Russian site gives part number as A2105450504
Brake switch - unknown part number

 

[Dieselman]

The brake light switch is a double way switch with the rest position being for sensing. It sounds like the switch is feeding power back into the sensing side when it is pressed.
Fit a new switch.

 

[MrWibble]

Update : Got a new brake light switch - relatively easy fitting but still same issue however new symptoms.

When lights on the same issue however now intermittent (maybe temperature related or maybe faulty brake light switch anyway). Noticed previously working RH brake light now not working - swapping pink bulb holders (again) - made no difference before but now without engine running the high level brake lamp is flashing and RH brake light flickering despite brake switch not being actuated. Since LH brake light is fine assume bulb holders are not issue. Starting engine and I have normal operation of high level and LH brake lights.

Removing RH pink bulb holder restores normal operation now so decide to order replacement RH cluster A2108204464 @ £30 delivered for new old stock from ********parts. Considered option of soldering but given misshapen state of plastics would rather replace.

Think I am near resolution now ...

Many thanks to all

 

[MrWibble]

Final update : Many thanks to all for assistance as well as Nick @ Euromercparts for having the right genuine part in stock and rapid delivery.

The new cluster sorted the issue out immediately - as it came with bulb holders and bulbs there was no issue with using the slightly burnt old holder.

Many thanks :bannana: