Faulty Bulb Warning

[BeeJay]

Frequently when I apply the brake for the first time after starting the engine, the bulb failure light illuminates on the dashboard.

I have had someone check the bulbs and all three are brightly illuminated, none of them have failed. As a precaution I replaced them all, but the problem persists.

Does anyone know what the solution is, please ?


Thank you

 

[television]

Frequently when I apply the brake for the first time after starting the engine, the bulb failure light illuminates on the dashboard.

I have had someone check the bulbs and all three are brightly illuminated, none of them have failed. As a precaution I replaced them all, but the problem persists.

Does anyone know what the solution is, please ?


Thank you

If the lamp lights up after using the foot brake, it shows the the fault is with the stop lamps at the rear

 

[BeeJay]

But the stop lamps at the rear are working, both the sides and the centre one also. I have swapped the bulbs around, and replaced all three with new bulbs and I still get the warning light

Its not the bulbs that are faulty, but the warning

 

[television]

But the stop lamps at the rear are working, both the sides and the centre one also. I have swapped the bulbs around, and replaced all three with new bulbs and I still get the warning light

Its not the bulbs that are faulty, but the warning

Ouch, I am thinking

 

[anyweb]

did you check for any corrosion in or around the bulb holders ? it could be that which is causing the erroneous error or alternatively the brake switch itself

cheers
anyweb

 

[television]

did you check for any corrosion in or around the bulb holders ? it could be that which is causing the erroneous error or alternatively the brake switch itself

cheers
anyweb

Your idea of corrosion on the lamp holder is the only thing that I can think of, do not use sandpaper, just switch cleaner

 

[Chas]

Frequently when I apply the brake for the first time after starting the engine, the bulb failure light illuminates on the dashboard.

I have had someone check the bulbs and all three are brightly illuminated, none of them have failed. As a precaution I replaced them all, but the problem persists.

Does anyone know what the solution is, please ?


Thank you

If I remember I had similar problem, I think there is a stop light switch (£9.99) activated by the brake pedal, it may need replacing. Its easy to do, I just cant remember right now

Some one (Malcolm maybe ) will advise soon I am sure.

 

[High-Lo]

Have you tried using Non-Halfords bulbs? Were the bulbs supplied by MB?

 

[Chas]

Here it is number 030 (£9.99)

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GA=722.618&CT=F&cat=66H&SID=54&SGR=640&SGN=19

 

[BeeJay]

THANK YOU

Still a new member to this forum, and amazed by the responses that requests for help elicit.

The bulbs I used were from local Motor World store (I presume you mean they might not have the same resistance and hence triggering a false alarm). I'll try cleaning the contacts with switch cleaner, then new MB bulbs, and lastly the brake pedal switch. Hopefully, I will not need all three actions to solve this.

I'll post back when the problem is solved - for future reference in case anyone else has this problem.

Again, thanks for the advice

 

[Dosco]

THANK YOU

Still a new member to this forum, and amazed by the responses that requests for help elicit.

The bulbs I used were from local Motor World store (I presume you mean they might not have the same resistance and hence triggering a false alarm). I'll try cleaning the contacts with switch cleaner, then new MB bulbs, and lastly the brake pedal switch. Hopefully, I will not need all three actions to solve this.

I'll post back when the problem is solved - for future reference in case anyone else has this problem.

Again, thanks for the advice

Just seen this post - had the identical problem and MB replaced the light cluster (not the lens) it appears minute corrosion of the bulb contact areas gave rise to a change in resistance, well that is what they told me. Sorted the problem though no issues in the last 3.5yrs even with Halfrauds bulbs fitted

 

[BlackC55]

The bulb wattage must be correct otherwise it will bring the warning up. I think there is a modified loom for this problem also. Ask your parts dept at MB.

If that does not solve it a new light switch is required.

 

[television]

The bulb wattage must be correct otherwise it will bring the warning up. I think there is a modified loom for this problem also. Ask your parts dept at MB.

If that does not solve it a new light switch is required.

I thought that I have seen something on this too, I know that there is a mod with the resistor, I will have a look later in the day

 

[MBNuB]

Tow bar??

Beejay,
I had a similar problem recently - the car blowing a couple of stop-light bulbs. I also had a beep when I turned right, which I assumed to be linked to the connector on the tow bar.

Do you have a tow bar??

I had to use a dremmel to grind off the nuts on my tow bar connector (having bought replacement nuts and bolts from Halford) to gain access to its insides. When I did, I found the internal connections caked in road dirt. Liberal applications of WD40, delicate prods with a small screwdriver and all the insides were cleaned out pretty well.

The beep disappeared and I stopped blowing bulbs. I'm sure the road dirt was getting wet when it rained and intermittently shorting a couple of the terminals in the tow bar connector and causing both problems.

IF you have a tow bar, start by spraying WD40 into each connector the, when you have time, take it to bits and clean-up the insides.

 

[jberks]

I had the same issue on my E240 - hit the brakes and the light came on. all bulbs ok. replaced anyway - still did it. Cleaned the contacts on one side with wire wool, re-sprung them and then re-tested - it lit up so bright, it was like the other side was running on a side light bulb in comparison!
Did the other side and all was well. I hadn't realised just how dull my brake lights had become and that was on a 4 year old car.

 

[BeeJay]

Beejay,
I had a similar problem recently - the car blowing a couple of stop-light bulbs. I also had a beep when I turned right, which I assumed to be linked to the connector on the tow bar.

Do you have a tow bar??

I had to use a dremmel to grind off the nuts on my tow bar connector (having bought replacement nuts and bolts from Halford) to gain access to its insides. When I did, I found the internal connections caked in road dirt. Liberal applications of WD40, delicate prods with a small screwdriver and all the insides were cleaned out pretty well.

The beep disappeared and I stopped blowing bulbs. I'm sure the road dirt was getting wet when it rained and intermittently shorting a couple of the terminals in the tow bar connector and causing both problems.

IF you have a tow bar, start by spraying WD40 into each connector the, when you have time, take it to bits and clean-up the insides.

Yes, I do have a tow bar - another line of attack. Thank you

 

[BeeJay]

I had the same issue on my E240 - hit the brakes and the light came on. all bulbs ok. replaced anyway - still did it. Cleaned the contacts on one side with wire wool, re-sprung them and then re-tested - it lit up so bright, it was like the other side was running on a side light bulb in comparison!
Did the other side and all was well. I hadn't realised just how dull my brake lights had become and that was on a 4 year old car.

Thanks. As soon as I have some time I'll clean the contacts and 're-spring' them. I have been advised not to use sandpaper - only use Switch Cleaner.

Is it safe to use something mildly abrasive ?

 

[television]

Thanks. As soon as I have some time I'll clean the contacts and 're-spring' them. I have been advised not to use sandpaper - only use Switch Cleaner.

Is it safe to use something mildly abrasive ?

These lamps and holders are flash nickel coated, very thin and once it comes off its much harder to keep them clean.

I will also take a look at any mods on this

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Check the licence plate bulbs - they trigger the warning too.

 

[mr. shr]

Do you not need to reset the original lamp failure fault? I mean, are you sure the failure is not responding to the very first time you pressed the break when the fault initially came up?

Maybe you need to reset it in the cluster ('R' button) and then apply the break?

(I'm just thinking out loud here and probably makes no difference.)

Good luck.