I have a 1994 C220 that has started displaying a bad buld warning even though all the bulbs are fine.....if I twist and reset the rear bulbs it will clear up until I go into reverse and the indicator goes back on...HELP!!!!!

 

causes:

dirty contacts on bulb holder socket.

in-correct wattage.

check the license plate lamp too... was it ok?

 

I had the exact same problem with the right brake light on my 99 C280, You think you have the bulbs in tight, but they are not really. Are you using an aftermarket bulb, is so get a Mercedes bulb. I have found the little pins on the aftermarket bulbs are not as long as the OEM's also, the pins are of different lengths, the oem being a bit longer on both pins but one side is still shorter, it is hard to explain but you have to make sure the short side is in the correct position, it was trail and error for me, even after getting the OEM bulb. On my car when I got the pin in the right slot I really had to push down and twist it, to get to seat tightly, so far it hasn't failed. Again, trial and error is the best way to describe how I got it to stay in place. Buy an extra bulb I broke one on the first try.
Also get some bulb grease, this does help.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try and let you all know what works.....

 

Please do, I lived with this problem for a month, before I figured out you need OEM and really work at getting them seated.

 

Hi
Is there some way of resetting the code for the bad bulb indicator when we use a bulb that is not OEM?
Shan

 

If you are using the proper bulb the indicator will reset itself. When no current is detected the light goes on, once you replace the blub, and the current is detected the light goes off. Are you using LED's bulbs? They won't allow the bulb light to go off as the watts are too low, you need to hook up a transformer inline. which will increase the watts so the indicator light detects the proper currnet and goes off. I tried LED's and even with the transformer the lights weren't brighter with the OEM especially in the daytime, Also I wouldn't recommend LED'S on the brake lights. If you are using replacement bulbs ( regular type), you want to stick with a name brand like Sylvania or Phillips as I have heard people having problems with the lights out indicator with "cheap bulbs"

 

It worked, and thanks to all......a little cleaning, a little die-electric grease and some new bulbs and the world is a better place....thanks again....