W210 Lamp Defective message.

[Ledbelly]

I recently bought a 2002 E240 W210 in near mint condition and only 71k on the clock (VOSA warranted mileage). I have just one problem with it (others may appear!).
It keeps throwing a Lamp Defective message but I'm damned if I can find a dud light. The message appears as soon as I start up. I have an iCarsoft but it doesn't work on this model so I have been unable to scan for codes to locate the supposedly faulty light.
When I first had this error I found a dud brake light bulb which fixed it but that only appeared when I touched the brakes for the first time after startup. The message is now appearing without any lights being on.
Has anybody got any ideas?

 

[Larkone]

You need to get a code reader on it as that will tell what is generating the defective msg, then you can start to investigate closer to what might be the issue. Otherwise you will have to check the continuity and circuit resistance to every light which is not a trivial job.

 

[jpwilliams]

Have you checked the Number Plate lights---2 under the grip ?

 

[mersum1es]

... and double 'standing bulbs' in the rear?

Wrong voltage bulb triggers that, and also if someone has 'tuned' and put led bulbs somewhere

 

[alabbasi]

You're not looking hard enough. Probably the # plate light as others have indicated. There are also two small bulbs in the headlight assembly that may not be obvious and of course the 3rd brake light if you crank the car with your foot on the brake.

 

[bob6600]

Failing all of that, there is a known issue with the reverse light where it fails to get 12v at times. Easily fixed with a 12 feed

 

[Ledbelly]

Thanks for all the replies.
Turns out it was a reversing light with a bad contact. Cleaned the base contacts and message gone.

 

[Beng]

Failing all of that, there is a known issue with the reverse light where it fails to get 12v at times. Easily fixed with a 12 feed

Where do you get a 12v feed for the reverse lamp?

 

[bob6600]

Where do you get a 12v feed for the reverse lamp?

IIRC from the cig lighter. The connection that fails is below the gear selector

 

[Beng]

My reverse lights are both working when in reverse gear. I suppose it is getting the necessary voltage.
It is just that the lamp defective warning light is always tuening on immediatly after starting the car. Hope someone can help me.

 

[andy27168]

Hi
Unlock car get in, make sure auto light function is off if fitted, do not touch brake pedal, start the engine, is the failure light on?
If not then with engine running press the brake pedal, if it comes on then it is one of the brake lights, if it still stays off, then put the side lights on only, check failure light, then dipped beam until failure light comes on, when it comes on the last switching action will indicate which light function is giving the fault.
Double check the rear side lights as I think the 210 has two each side