[W126 Coupe] Light Problem

[Jay Hirsch]

Mercedes has the parking light switch on their US  models also.
My two "American" Mercedes  have the parking light switch

keep cruisin
Jay H
On Feb 19, 2011, at 2:13 PM, calvin young wrote:


> Thanks Guys,

>

> I did switch the bulbs and that did not correct the problem.  The  

> mechanic switched entire light assembly (driver light to passenger  

> and vice versa) and that still not correct the problem.  So, the  

> first place to look is the ground wire.  I checked, but will  

> replace the fuse.

>

> Second, this car is a euro and has the complicated light system  

> that allows one to switch on the parking lights on either side of  

> the car.  Lots of places in Europe have narrow streets, so they  

> have this unique system that allows you to switch on the parking  

> and front turn signal lights independently of each other, depending  

> on which side of the street you are parked on.  This switch, being  

> made in 83 just might have developed a problem.  First, I will  

> replace the ground and see what that does.  I might just rewire the  

> darn thing to have the light work like American lights since this  

> particular feature is not needed.

>

> I will keep you guys informed.

>

> Cal

> ----

>> Cal,

>> If the problem is not a maginal fuse, you have a poor ground from  

>> that light.     -Bellamy

>>>

>> First, check the fuse to make sure it's making proper contact.

>>

>> Second, have you tried replacing the bulb?

>>

>> Third, if the bulb is OK, you may want to get a multimeter and  

>> measure voltage at the connector at the back of the headlight.  At  

>> the same time, check the connector (make and female sides) for  

>> signs of corrosion or other crud and clean with a wire brush if  

>> you find anything.

>>

>> Fourth, check your battery terminals to make sure they are clear  

>> and not causing any issues with poor or intermittent contact.   

>> Measure your battery voltage with the car both running and off.   

>> Should be 12-13.5V ish.

>>

>> Fifth, check your ground point behind and below the headlight  

>> (typically brown wires going to a single screw) to make sure that  

>> it's making proper contact and there is no corrosion there.

>>

>> Let us know what you find.  One of these solutions should identify  

>> the problem.  If it doesn't, then you may have another issue like  

>> a voltage regulator or even an alternator not generating the  

>> proper output, but that's a more serious bridge to cross if  

>> everything else checks out OK.

>>

>> Cheers,

>> Gerry

>>

>> Hi Cal,

>>

>> Most likely a poor ground connection,

>>

>> Carl Hansen

>

>

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