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

[MikeTangas]

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.

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

[MikeTangas]

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

miketangas

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

jjp

[MikeTangas]

Fuse #5.

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.

mike/ paul:

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

jjp

[MikeTangas]

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.

[MikeTangas]

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?

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

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