I get "lamp defective" message when I start the car. So, I checked all the lights and found that my passenger side brakeand tail lights were not working. The two filament bulb has one of the filamentsbusted so I replaced it. Now, with the new bulb in place the tail light is working but the brake light is not and I am still getting the "lamp defective" message.
Can someone please advise what I should do next.
Thanks!
My e-mail address is skdhir@yahoo.com

 

1. Try another new bulb or try the bulb from the drivers side.
2. Rotate the pins of the bulb in the holder.

 

I tried another new bulb - didn't help.
I switched the passenger side bulb/socket with the driver side bulb/socket assembly.The result is still the same, i.e. driver side is okay and the passenger side tail light works but the brake light does not.
Both the bulb/socekt assemblies seem to be okay so the problem must be in the passenger side brake wiring or the grounding plate.
Please advise what should I do next and how.
Ever so thankful!

 

you probably need a new taillight assembly. this a very common issue on all 96-2002 E classes. if you know for sure its not the taillamps or you had them already replaced then you could have the wrong bulb.

 

Guess what - the problem is solved.
On somebody's suggestion who experienced the same problem, I slowly turned the bulb/socket assembly from its home base and found the hot/critical spot and applied some glue to keep the socket in that position.
Three cheers to Mercedes for the design that must be making them good bit of money selling the brake light related parts and fixtures.

 

great to hear ur problem is solved.
enjoy your benz!

 

I am having a similiar problem with my brake lights. The brakelight on the passenger side isn't working properly. I guess there are two bulbs that control the brakelights; there is a brown colored bulb holder and a white one as well. I replaced both of the white bulb holders and when that didn't correct the problem I could see that it was the bulb in the brown holder. I tried replacing the bulbs and the defective lamp message still comes on. I switched bulb holders; took the one from the working side and placed in non working side that didn't help, the holder I thought needed replacing actually worked in the working side. So, what do I need to do next to get my brake light working again. My wife was stopped by an officer and told her brake light wasn't working. He didn't give her a ticket, but I need to get it repaired soon because its just a matter of time before one of us get a ticket for this. Help. I need a fix and I need it quick. You can respond to me directly at mrjenk@msn.com thank you.