E300TD rear light problems

[Smeagol]

Have an ongoing annoying problem with Mrs S' '98 E300TD.

Rear/stop lamps, (the inboard two) keep failing to light when required with associated "Bulb failure" warning in display coming on. A quick twist of the relevent bulb holders will usually provide a temporary fix but problem recurs on an almost daily basis. I have removed bulbs and holders, cleaned and removed any oxidation with emery paper but problem still recurs.

Can anyone suggest a more permanent fix?

Thanks

 

[jberks]

Check the condition of the bulb contacts. They sometimes wear through. Then strain the contacts back up on the bulb holder to increase contact pressure. At the end of the day, all you need a mechanical contact. Those 3 things have never failed me yet - even on a Ford!

 

[Smeagol]

Tried that. Seems to be the holder to mount contact that is the problem rather than the bulb to holder. Slight bending of the contacts should increase pressure, as you say, but problem recurs quickly!

 

[robs-mbz]

Stupid question, have you changed the lamps, I had exactly the same problem on my E300TD, one of the tail light lamps looked perfect, illuminated ok, even the resistence of the filament measured the same as the lamp on the other side. Tried all the tricks of cleaning and bending contacts - replacing the lamp cured the problem forever!

Also had a numberplate light lamp with a damaged filament, illuminated sometimes, sometimes didn't, again replaced the lamp, problem solved!

 

[jberks]

If the bulb holder is worn, then, before driving yourself mad with possible fixes, price up a new one from the dealer. I always walk in expecting the worst but on things like that, they often surprise me with very reasonable prices.

 

[television]

These thing should never have emery or sand paper used on them,the bulbs and sockets are cadium plated from new. A good quility switch cleaner should do the trick.

malcolm

 

[Smeagol]

Thanks for the advice. Think I will try:
a) New bulbs
b) New bulb holders

My apologies, Malcolm, for using such a crude (and probably inappropriate and inefficient) method of trying to resolve the problem. I was getting a bit frustrated and allowed 'brute force and ignorance' to take over.