W204 C Class - burned (brown) wire rear light cluster

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Hi all.

See pic below.

Today I noticed that my driving lights (rear right) were dim so decided to investigate. I don't know if the wrong wattage bulbs were put in (this is what I thought), but when I investigated I notice that the brown wire is very hot and burning out... OK so needs to be sorted ASAP

Firstly, did this happen anyone before?

Secondly, this will need to be repaired - is the connection mini-spades? It was dark when I noticed to decided to leave it until tomorrow to pull apart. When I did try to remove the connector, the brown wire wanted to stay put... so think i'm best leaving until it's cool to pull out with a plyers, but I suspect it'll break.

Finally, is this brown wire powering the driving lights (top and bottom??) not too familiar with the wiring tbh.

Thanks all.

IMAG1978_zpsrsxej1ix.jpg
 

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The brown lead is the common ground wire, it is too thin and cannot carry the load. when the wire has been arcing, it can be hard to remove.

The wire does not come out on its own, you release the whole plug, when the plug is out, you can push a pin in and release the little catch on the metal connector and you can fit a heavier gauge wire.

This is a known fault that we have to pay for, shocking this will be about 6 car models in a row where MB have been penny pinching on the rear light wires.
 
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Turns out it's a common problem after Googling. I'm going to put a bigger earth cable in there.

Can anyone advise me of the part no. for both the backing plate and the black plastic connector, as i'm sure both need replacing.

Also, what is the connector I need to purchase to make off a new connection with a heavier cable? As in, the female connector that is crimped at the end of each of the cables.

Many thanks!
 
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The brown lead is the common ground wire, it is too thin and cannot carry the load. when the wire has been arcing, it can be hard to remove.

The wire does not come out on its own, you release the whole plug, when the plug is out, you can push a pin in and release the little catch on the metal connector and you can fit a heavier gauge wire.

This is a known fault that we have to pay for, shocking this will be about 6 car models in a row where MB have been penny pinching on the rear light wires.

Sorry I made my above reply before seeing yours.

Thanks for letting me know that the brown (earth) wire stays in even when the black connector is pulled out.

I'm guessing that the backing plate is damaged, so wondering if I should replace it?

I watched a youtube video of putting heavier gauge wire and soldering onto the earth on the car frame. If I so this, can I just cut the current earth wire and tape it up? (I don't see an issue here but thought i'd ask)
 

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Sorry I made my above reply before seeing yours.

Thanks for letting me know that the brown (earth) wire stays in even when the black connector is pulled out.

I'm guessing that the backing plate is damaged, so wondering if I should replace it?

I watched a youtube video of putting heavier gauge wire and soldering onto the earth on the car frame. If I so this, can I just cut the current earth wire and tape it up? (I don't see an issue here but thought i'd ask)

You can add one to the existing or a complete new one.
 
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I did this fix today, soldered directly onto the metal earth 'board' and used a circular lug to connect to the frame of the car.

I notice that the 'wedge' bulb on the top of the light cluster is dim. I remember replacing this in the past and suspect i used too low a wattage of a bulb. Can anyone tell me what wattage this bulb should be? Thanks
 

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No idea on the bulb, but pleased the mod went well.
 
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No prob, thanks - maybe someone else will know.

I asked on a US MB forum and they say there's a recall for this. Is there? If so, i'd need to know the recall number as the Irish MB dealer (as with any dealer in Ireland) are usually less than helpful when it comes to this - I would have to show proof that there's a recall to get anywhere.
 

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Sadly 99% of the USA recalls do not apply to the UK
 
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Sadly 99% of the USA recalls do not apply to the UK

That solves that one, so.

Someone told me that it was the plug / holder that was the issue, rather than too light of a cable. Is this correct?

If so, i'd just buy a new holder & plug (and spade connector) so that I could return it to as OE as possible (I know it's not seen, but I know it's there!)
 

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I have not seen one, but one can tell by the condition of the brown wire, if it is had and deformed near the plug, then the contacts have lost their tension.

You have done the right thing by soldering direct.

The fault arises from driving at night, waiting with foot brake on and indicating. It is a shocking state of affairs and there has been problems going back to the 210 rear lamps and many models since.
 
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Yeah, it's pretty nuts... been reading online and plenty of people have had the problem. Glad I have it done once and for all now (and only takes a few mins to do)

BTW, found the issue with the dim wedge light... it was old and had 'glazed' hence not much light getting through. Replaced it with another 5w and much better now, all looks normal... will check when it gets dark that all is back to normal.
 

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The fault arises from driving at night, waiting with foot brake on and indicating.

Malcolm, thanks for explaining why my nearside brown wire is getting warm - I have dipped headlights on full time as my car does not have DRL's, plus I tend to leave the car in D with my foot on the brake at traffic lights etc!. I checked all the rear bulbs yesterday as I've had a "Right rear marker bulb" warning a few times on the dash - found 1 x P21W on the nearside looking sad, and 1 x LED (?5W 501) top light on the offside failed, so changed both and all appears well.

I've just ordered these to try in the rear lights :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281684023785?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Will they take less current than the P21W standard bulbs, and thus reduce the chance of the earth brown wire overheating?
 

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Just had this problem and saw this thread. The first symptom was a rear indicator bulb failure (rapid clicking) which then cleared. Intermittent but then got a warning of brake, light and indicator bulbs blown. Investigated the cluster and found the burnt brown wire. Terminal totally corroded and burnt on the plastic bulb board. Found a replacement board for £18.40 and a new plug and spade terminals for £14 on eBay and an easy replacement. My car is now 10 yrs old so hopefully will last for as long as I need it. Obviously a design flaw. Probably could have got by with a adding a bit more wire and a direct solder to the board but decided not to.
 

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Just had this problem and saw this thread. The first symptom was a rear indicator bulb failure (rapid clicking) which then cleared. Intermittent but then got a warning of brake, light and indicator bulbs blown. Investigated the cluster and found the burnt brown wire. Terminal totally corroded and burnt on the plastic bulb board. Found a replacement board for £18.40 and a new plug and spade terminals for £14 on eBay and an easy replacement. My car is now 10 yrs old so hopefully will last for as long as I need it. Obviously a design flaw. Probably could have got by with a adding a bit more wire and a direct solder to the board but decided not to.

I have done both mine, the trick is to earth directly to the car not put it back into the wiring loom
 

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I have done both mine, the trick is to earth directly to the car not put it back into the wiring loom
I have done both mine, the trick is to earth directly to the car not put it back into the wiring loom
Good idea. I guess I need to check the other side also.
 

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..... Found a replacement board for £18.40 and a new plug and spade terminals for £14 on eBay and an easy replacement. ...

The connections weren't very clever on my R Class, and the 'board' was pitted where the lamp holder made contact however the 'board' was part & parcel of the light unit so I lived with it & made it work
 


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