Burning through bulbs

[GGB]

Hi to all,

Just wondered if anyone could suggest a reason for my w202 99t c220 cdi eats light bulbs for a pastime? There doesn't seem to be any obvious trend in which bulbs; headlights, sidelights and brakelights are all common failures. It tends to happen one or two times a month, I turn the car lights on and that familiar little warning lamp comes on again! I've tried bulbs from the dealer, the petrol station and halfords and it keeps happening.

 

[television]

Are you reffering to rear light bulbs.

Malcolm

 

[GGB]

Both front and rear lights!

 

[television]

Both front and rear lights!

If you give your Vin to MB service I think that you will find that there is a voltage dropper made for your car, if you have any problems come back.

Malcolm

 

[GGB]

Cheers Malcom,

Can I do it on line or just over the phone? Also any ideas where it is fitted on the car?

 

[television]

Cheers Malcom,

Can I do it on line or just over the phone? Also any ideas where it is fitted on the car?

It is a little plug in device that goes in the boot. they should be able to tell you on line

Malcolm

 

[GGB]

Just been to the MB website, filled in the registration form to get access to the info but I'm having probs logging in (probably my internet connection), even so is there normally a fee for using the service?

 

[flying haggis]

would you have a link to the correct bit of the mb website as i cant find any registration form

 

[GGB]

https://workshop.aftersales.daimlerchrysler.com/dcagportal/DCAGPortal

Once you open this page you should be able to register (on the right hand side of the webpage - new user caption). It looks like there is a fee as this site is for independant workshops etc.

 

[johngun1]

Burning Bulbs

Are the bulbs actually blown? I get warnings on the dash about every 2 months that bulbs at the rear are blown and when I change them the old ones are alright. So now I keep swaping the bulbs back and forward and so far I have only found 2 actually blown in 3 years.

The computer, he lies!

Cheers

John

 

[jberks]

Are the bulbs actually blown? I get warnings on the dash about every 2 months that bulbs at the rear are blown and when I change them the old ones are alright. So now I keep swaping the bulbs back and forward and so far I have only found 2 actually blown in 3 years.

The computer, he lies!

Cheers

John

The computer detects an increase in resistance - hence you probably have dirty contacts or incorrectly rated bulbs (probably the former). Clean and adjust the contacts and it should shut up. (Mine did).

 

[GGB]

Hi John,

Thanks for your post, I have checked and the bulbs have definately blown, so I'm suspecting this elusive voltage regulator. Just need to find it now!

Regards

Greig

 

[wireman]

I dont know if the problem is the lamps or the vehicle but I have had loads of trouble with lamps from many of the supermarket type outlets, in a word they are s***e, I now only use lucas or bosch lamps and they give me no trouble at all.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

One of the main reasons for bulb failure is excessive vibration of the filament.

I have a mate who for years was plagued with the bulb failing in his living room. He eventually sorted it by loosening the screws in the rose slightly. People walking in the bedroom upstairs were shaking the bulb and causing it to blow every few months.

I believe modern cars now have non-serviceable headlamps for this reason. Supposedly the bulbs last much longer, although you can imagine the cost of a replacement unit

 

[bitonw]

Are the bulbs actually blown? I get warnings on the dash about every 2 months that bulbs at the rear are blown and when I change them the old ones are alright. So now I keep swaping the bulbs back and forward and so far I have only found 2 actually blown in 3 years.

The computer, he lies!

Cheers

John

Sounds more a connection problem to me. Every time you change the bulbs you click them back in the holder...

 

[television]

There are a few cars where a adaptor is needed when the rear lights keep blowing.

Malcolm

 

[Ultymate]

I don't know about the adaptor Malcolm is on about but it could also be the regulator in your alternator allowing your alternator to produce too much voltage and blowing your bulbs. Easy check for this is a Volt meter across your battery engine running 13.5-14V max.