280sel 4.5 no brakelights
 

anybody know where to start with inoperative tailights? all other lights work. all fuses in panel work. thanks.

1972 280sel 4.5

jjp

Does the fuse look good, or have you changed it? Even if the fuse looks good, I would change it because it may not be good due to hairline cracks or corrosion.

Next I would check out the brake light switch. It is mounted on the steering column tube, I think, directly above the brake pedal. On my 4.5 the switch started sticking and the brake lights were delayed in coming on for a few seconds. Replacing the switch cured that problem. Could be that your switch has stuck completely. Check it out.

inoperative brake lights
 

mike tangas:

you the man, twice over for me. i appreciate your help. this 4.5 is the latest in a long string of cars for me and the best car yet.

02 325is-current
02 excursion-current

74 bmw 2002-blew up
79 bmw 320i-sold
87 535is-sold
93 525i-sold
96 740il-sold
80 911 sc targa-(the sponge)-sold
96 land rover-sold
99 yukon-sold
76 caddilac eldorado conv.-sold to collector
72 caprice classic conv.-burned in palm beach
57 t-bird-stabilized in nyc
98 corvette-palm beach-replaced caprice
79 trans am-stolen nyc
74 peugeot-rod through valve cover
72 cadillac coupe deville-left it at new england college
74 caprice classic conv.-burned on a pile of leaves in front of moms house
81 riviera-stolen nyc


we will see how the benz fares. i am the second owner 69K miles. next project: front subframe mounts.
1972 4.5 garaged and dehumidified.

over and out,

jjp

So which was it, the fuse or the switch? Inquiring minds want to know.

inoperative 4.5 tailights
 

miketangas

i checked the fuse panel but failed to see which number fuse relates to tailights? can you advise.

jjp

Fuse #5.

4.5 brake lights
 

will advise upon completion.

jjp

Mike,

Does fuse #5 control any other function? Lack of power to those components as well would support a bad fuse diagnosis.

4.5 inoperative brakelights
 

mike/ paul:

all other lights work, running, signal head and tail.

jjp

There are other items on that circuit, but not tail lights, running lights or head lights. I don't recall what all is on the circuit, can check when I get home.

Other circuits on fuse #5
 

Besides the stop lights, you have: turn signal indicator, back-up lights, fuel gauge, speed increasing solenoid, warning light for handbrake, valve unit and compressed air.

Ant of those items not working too?

inoperative 4.5 tailights
 

mike/paul

last night checked:

all bulbs-fine
changed all fuses
removed brake light switch-looks ok and mechanically operates

should I:
jump out brake switch to see if lights come on
or
perform any other type of diagnostic test

jjp

4.5 tailights
 

mike/paul

the problem was the light socket in the tailight assembly. the light socket was loose and not making ground to metal. i used epoxy to attach and no more problems.

thanks,

jjp