W210 High Level Brake Light Not Working

[rizal2510]

On my way home I've realised that my 1998 w210 high level brake light is not working. Its the one with the bulb not LED's, so I opened the light housing and changed the bulb (a spare bulb stashed somewere) but it's still not working. The connections at the light are ok and is it not indicating any lights out warning on the dash.

I was thinking the fuse but as it's getting dark I couldn't investigate more. Anybody knows how the light is wired up.eg independent or integrated to the brake lights or where the fuse is located? From what I know there's three location of fuses in the w210, under the bonnet, at the driver's kick panel and the rear seat (which I've never succeded in removing..any hints ).

Any ideas of what to look out for ? Many thanks in advance....

 

[mrfiepro]

Hi,

To remove the rear seat bench.

On each out side corner where the seat meets the carpet you will find a small recess, inside the recess is a white catch, lift up both catches and hey presto.......seat off.


Brake light

The break light is connected via a two-pin connector, which you may be able to access from inside the boot, after checking the fuses, try checking this connector.


I have recently changed my light to the LED type of the facelift model, if you find there is something wrong with you unit you are more than welcome to try my old one, which you can have for nothing, as I was only going to throw it away.

 

[rizal2510]

mrfiepro,

thanks for the tips...will have stab at it this weekend and I'll keep your offer in mind..

 

[rizal2510]

Update :-

Manage to suss out the problem. Turns out to be corroded finger contacts which have eaten the tips of the contact. Some reshaping of the contacts soon gets the brake light to work again :bannana: but I don't think it's going to last long.

mrfiepro,

it looks like I might have to take up your offer on your old brake light. PM me for the postage and preferred method of payment (paypal etc...)

MTIA.

 

[mrfiepro]

Hi I'll try and dig it out tonight. A couple of quid should be enough for postage.

When I've found it I'll PM you.

TA

 

[t15dja]

How to upgrade 3rd brake light to LED type

Hi,


I have recently changed my light to the LED type of the facelift model, if you find there is something wrong with you unit you are more than welcome to try my old one, which you can have for nothing, as I was only going to throw it away.

Hi - just found this when searching the forums - could you advise how to change the early "box" type 3rd brake light to the LED type - is it an easy job and where did you source the parts from?

Thanks in anticipation