2008 W204 - warning about lights, but they are not broken

[MBnewbie123]

Hi,

I recently bought a 2008 W204 and when I turn the ignition several warnings come up on the dashboard:

1) Right-hand tail lamp/brake lamp
2) Front left parking lamp
3) Front right parking lamp

But all those lamps are working. What do you think is causing the warnings to come up? And, how do I make them go away?

I did some research and discovered that MB, in general, seems to be awful for electrical wiring that is connected to lights. Apparently, it was so bad on the W204 there was a safety recall. I do not believe this car was recalled or even if it was I do not think the previous owner brought it in to be dealt with. Considering the defects(s) is/are most likely to be an inherent design fault, would a dealership fix this problem free of charge?

Other potential causes are welcome! And, of course, so are all (sensible) solutions .

Hope everyone is well.

 

[Uncle Benz]

On a 2008 you probably have 2 parking light bulbs each side. They are little 5W 501 capless bulbs. Check they are all bulbs too. If they’ve been replaced with LEDs they can false alarm. On the back, the earth pins often burn where the plug goies into the rear lamp

 

[MBnewbie123]

On a 2008 you probably have 2 parking light bulbs each side. They are little 5W 501 capless bulbs. Check they are all bulbs too. If they’ve been replaced with LEDs they can false alarm. On the back, the earth pins often burn where the plug goies into the rear lamp

Thanks. All the lights are working perfectly. I think the problem will be a wiring one. Blooming nuisance!

 

[EmilysDad]

As per the other thread of lighting & warning lights/messages, check the bulbs & holders for a good contact or even consider replacing them with decent make bulbs.

 

[davemercedes]

I get the same sort of thing intermittently on my 2007 S203. I see the warning while all lights are on and working. I was told to clean up all the terminals but in the meantime I've found that 95+ % of the time if I switch the ignition off and on again the message goes away and the lights all continue working. It's witchcraft, I think!

 

[JeremyMercedes]

Hey!

I had exactly the same problems on my W204. After those light failures, it also gave an airbag malfunction and finally it didn’t start at all anymore. Did you find the issue eventually?

 

[Wighty]

Hey!

I had exactly the same problems on my W204. After those light failures, it also gave an airbag malfunction and finally it didn’t start at all anymore. Did you find the issue eventually?

Main battery ?

 

[JeremyMercedes]

Main battery is tested and fine. When I started it using another car the engine would run again, but when disconnected from the other car it would drop dead. Sounds like the alternator, but the mechanics ruled that out. The car is still at the garage right now.

 

[AndySlade]

I’d check you have a good clean earth at the back.