ALL of my lights work! WHY does dash say otherwise!?

[DJNEWK2]

This has only been annoying me for a couple of days but is there a way to either reset this thing or what should I look for as far as possible causes for my dash's "light out" coming on although all of my lights are on. I've found myself pulling over and looking at all of my lights (I even back up and face a building that I can see the reflection on their windows to make sure all of my brake lights,etc are working and in order. Any suggestions because this is driving me nuts! I did however notice a bulb out in my rear lower door (but that's been out since forever-and I have the bulb but haven't replaced it yet- I just thought,boy is THAT trifling!)

Any help is appreciated

Alan

[Rockman59]

Be sure to check both of the small lights for the rear license plate. Even if one of the bulbs is burned out there will be illumination on the plate....so stand on your head and look underneath where the bulbs are and make sure both bulbs are lit. I had this problem with my 560 SEL.

[G-Benz]

Have you figured out what scenario causes the indicator to light up? Is it on all of the time, or just when you tap the brakes for instance? Of does it come on, but turn off when you switch on the headlights (or vice versa)?

Your courtesy lights are not part of the system, just the exterior lights. And as DJNEWK2 stated, the license plate bulbs are commonly overlooked.

Also, a bulb on its way out will set off the dash light, even though it still appears to work. Look for any bulbs (especially in the taillight housing) that appear discolored. The system works on resistance, so a filament on its way to burning out will give off a different resistance, and possibly set off the light.

Note that when replacing bulbs, the wattage and housing is very important. For the taillights, the correct bulb wattage is embossed near each respective socket. Use Philips, Osram, or Sylvania, with the nickel-plated housings, not the domestic cadmium-plated ones...

[jeffsr]

If it's the 86, check the third brake light(inside the rear window). A lot of folks tend to overlook that one.

[Gilly]

License lights and third brakelight are good ones, also the small rear "side" marker lights in back (around the side of the tail light lenses.

Gilly

Don't forget the rear fog light if your car has one.

[psfred]

Replace all bulbs in pairs with Osram (my preference) or other OEM bulbs. If you replace just one of a pair and the current draw is different that the one you left if, the lamp goes on.

The Benz isn't as bad and the Volvo -- took three tries to get a pair of brake lamp bulbs that wouldn't set the silly thing off. That's why I buy Osram -- they were the only ones to work.

Peter

[dakota]

Does the light monitor come on when you first turn the lights on? If it does, you know it's not the brake lights. If it comes on after the first time you press the brakes, then it's probably a brake light. You may further eliminate lights by using the blinker to isolate. (Remember to trun off ignition each time to reset.)

If you are positive that all lights illuminate (including 3rd brake, license (2) lights), it is probably a light that is barely intermittent, or a socket that is slightly corroded. Clean all the sockets, including the contact posts and the ground housing. You will find the culprit.

[DJNEWK2]

Thanks...I actually got it and it was some corrosion on my signal bulb.Just sanded down and greased it (along with all others) and all is well.