SLK Bulb failure warning problem

Dear Sir:
Greeting and good days ! Here's a problem
with my SLK230K (1997) :
The bulb failure warning (yellow) light
turned on suddenly during I driving on free
way , and I stop by side (engine still on)
to check all external lights (including head
lights , braking lights , turning light and
others) , all are fine ; And when I restart
engine , the warning light turned off , but
it turn on suddenly after driving a while .
Please give me a favor to reply me ASAP
, thanks in advance !

-YC-

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YCChou

[J.HIDALGO]

My car had a similar problem. It was driving me crazy. It turned out to be a lightbulb in the license plate. With vibrations, it would get "loose". I changed it and no more problems since.
Good luck!
J.H.

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J.H.
'86 300E

[PJozefiak]

Early (pre 1999) SLK's had a design flaw in the brake light bulb socket, requiring the socket (and possibly the harness) to be replaced with an improved design. Your MB dealer should be aware of the service bulletin from MB and be able to help. Even if your warranty is up, it is a saftey item and a design flaw, so it should be handled free of charge if this is indeed the problem. Paul.

Oops! Forgot to mention, the reason your car is fine upon start-up is because your car won't sense the break in the circuit until you apply the BRAKE (sometimes, several times). It is actually an intermitent short and that is why it can sometimes take several applications of the brake. Once the short circuit is detected, the interior warning light will not go off until you shut the vehicle off, and reset the system, even though the lights will appear to be working fine when observed from the outside.

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'99 SLK230 (Bahama Blue)
17" O.Z. Racing "Vela" Modular wheels
Real carbon fiber interior
AMG sideskirts
Custom rear wing

'94 Firebird Formula (Turquoise)
17" Antera "Opus One" (three spoke) wheels
Full custom interior
Vortech Supercharger
Other Misc Craziness

[This message has been edited by PJozefiak (edited 10-09-2000).]

[This message has been edited by PJozefiak (edited 10-09-2000).]

Dear Sir:
Appreciate your reply , the defect which
causes that problem is the brake bulb socket contact issue , would you please pass me the new part number of improved socket ? So that I can apply it to Taiwan's MB for replacing , I don't think Taiwan's MB will raise a recall action for older SLK .

Thanks !!
-YC-