[martijn78m]

Hello all,

Since a couple of weeks I own a SLK 320 (2000)
Unfortunately I already have some challenges with the Xenon light.
One of the headlights stops after a few minutes.
I bought two new xenon lights. When I replaced the which stopped after a few minutes the new Xenon light works properly for a few seconds but then starts blinking and stops after a minute or so with shining
When I also replace the other lamp then they both stop shining after a second.

Is somebody familiar with this problem and can you advice what I can do to solve the issue?
I wrote somewhere that is could be the ballast, where is it located in the SLK and is this something which can be adjusted to solve the issue.

In addition, it seems like a good idea to buy an obd. is there anyone who can recommend a good obd scanner for the slk?
And what exactly could I expect if I purchase an obd regarding my car light issue? will it immediately indicate where the problem is, or does it only indicate what the malfunction means in general, such as a problem with the headlight?

Thanks a lot for the support,
Martijn

 

[Rofa]

@martijn78m , re scanners you should read and digest What is DAS / STAR ?? - a reminder for you all ..
Hopefully someone can address your specific issue with the Xenons.

 

[murat orhan]

If your car is equiped with factory xenons, ballast is fitted underside of the headlight. You need to remove the headlight to remove it. Xenon ignitor is located inside of the headlamp. I would add the light switch to the suspect list if both go out. Also, always test it with high quality d2r xenon bulbs like philips, osram. Without MB DAS/STAR multiplexer you can never reach full diagnostic data. I can only read front and rear axle sensor values with my obd scanner from the light module.

 

[martijn78m]

Thanks a lot for the advice,
With regard to the ballast, does it make sense if I switch the ballast from the right headlight with the left and vice versa?
May I assume that it is a standard type of part which is interchangeable without risk?

I am very curious about the result of this test because if the problem suddenly occurs with the other headlight, then I can assume that it is indeed the ballast. Which means that is only have to buy a new ballast.

Thx.br.Martijn

 

[murat orhan]

Thanks a lot for the advice,
With regard to the ballast, does it make sense if I switch the ballast from the right headlight with the left and vice versa?
May I assume that it is a standard type of part which is interchangeable without risk?

I am very curious about the result of this test because if the problem suddenly occurs with the other headlight, then I can assume that it is indeed the ballast. Which means that is only have to buy a new ballast.

Thx.br.Martijn

yes great idea to switch. it is very easy to remove once the headlight unit is out.

 

[murat orhan]

the headlight is secured with 3 bolts. third one can be revealed once the turn signal is out. let us know the outcome.

 

[murat orhan]

also never forget that xenon balasts can store thousands of volts in its capacitors even if not used and stored away. never try to fix them...

 

[BaD_81]

I am not saying you did anything wrong, I would've done it a bit different!
Let's say your driver's light is out! But your passenger's is OK, swap the bulbs! Not ballast, not new bulbs but one working with the one bad.
This way you know 2 things:
-What is the main issue (if the bulb or the ballast)
-Has these been "messed with" ( if the good bulb is Osram and the bad one is Philips, obviously it is not new problem)
And while swapping the bulbs (carefully as of the voltage right!?!?) you can examine the sockets. Like rust, loose fit, bent leg...
And because you already got replacement that lead to both side being off, you might be having inadequate bulbs being provided for good ones.
All of the above is only as a suggestion, because you see the things in real life.

 

[Dave2302]

Also worth a look inside the headlamp because there is also an issue with many other Mecedes Xenon headlamps of this period where the internal headlamp wiring insulation is poor, goes brittle and flakes off causing shorts.

I haven't seen this on R170 Xenons but then I have only one of my two R170's with factory Xenons and one customer with same, and I've only ever changed a complete headlamp unit on his car when he ran into a gate post or summat

HTH

 

[martijn78m]

Thanks a lot for all the tips! Problem solved. I bought a new xenon lamp again, but this time from Philips, it shines as it should.

Thank you!