My left front low beam head lamp stopped working the other day. I purchased a replacement bulb and installed it. I still have the same problem. High beam works, but no low beam. I have tried two new bulbs, so I am assuming I have some sort of electrical or connector problem.

Any thoughts or ideas about what my next troubleshooting steps should be?

I had a very similar problem with my 2.5T, only with the passenger side headlight and it turned out to be the connector. At the time, I took advantage of my mechanic having a generic connector available and I stripped the wires and spliced it in. I would image that McParts has these as well. Cost me $20 from my mechanic.

That being said though, If I were to do it again I would go to the dealer and see if you can get the connector and re-fit the original harness. I see your from Finksburg, I don't think R&H is that far for you. From what I remeber every thing is very straight forward.

- Mark

__________________
1987 300DT 127K
1987 300TDT 283K (Sold)
1999 528iTa 75K
1991 300D 2.5T 214K - Dead Tranny
1984 300DT 375K (Sold)

Mark,

Thanks for the update. The connector did look a bit cruddy and I suspected it. I do not have a shop manual for this car and therefore did not know if there was a fuse associated with the low beam. I have been to R&H for some cosmetic body work, but I usually use a local fella for the rest of my diesel fleet.

IIRC there is a fuse for the Low Beam, and obviously check that first. I think there are other items on that circuit as well so you would have noticed something else not working. There should be a listing on the card inside the fuse box and if that's missing the owners manual should also have it.

And by all means no.... I didn't mean to take your car to the dealer, just get the headlight connector from them. saves splicing into the original harness which just creates another point of failure in my opinion.

You don't happen to take your car to John Nettler do you? My father in the past has purchased several MBs from John. Really nice guy and always has something to look at on his lot. He's over on Rt. 140.

Mark

__________________
1987 300DT 127K
1987 300TDT 283K (Sold)
1999 528iTa 75K
1991 300D 2.5T 214K - Dead Tranny
1984 300DT 375K (Sold)

I live about a mile from Nettler's shop. I stop in there on a regular basis to check out what is there. Nettler is always overpriced and will not budge on his prices. He has two nice looking diesel wagons on his lot right now. I am guessing late 80s.

About another 1/2 mile up the road is a shop called Import Automotive Service. Same side of the road as Nettler. I have all 3 of my diesels worked on there.

I just had my 92 @ IAS to get brake work performed. At the same time, they fixed my cruise control which had just stopped working. I am sure they were in the fuse box. Perhaps that would explain why the light is not working.

Do you know if the fuse controls both low beams, or just one side?

Checked the fuse last night and it appears to be fine. I swapped the left and right low beam fuses and no change in the status of the lights. I have swapped the bulb, so it must be wiring or connector.