Recall - Tail Lamp Module Replacement
Campaign No. 2006080005, February 2007FILE:
SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION _ PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Revision History
Revision Date Purpose
C 02/16/07 Update to include model years 2001-2004
B 11/22/06 Update to reflect new Operator's Manual label part number
A 09/22/06 Correction of bulb assignment in Operator's Manual label
- 09/08/06 Initial issue
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT:
MODEL 170, MODEL YEAR 1998-2004
REPLACE TAIL LAMPS
This Recall Campaign has been initiated because DCAG has determined that due to the heat generated by the brake lamps of the affected vehicles (see VIN range on the following page) the base of the lamp socket can be subject to thermal deformation over time. This deformation can cause movement in the socket-to-bulb connection, which may lead to a loosening of the electrical contacts in the sockets and a failure of the bulb to illuminate. This can cause a failure of either brake light (the center brake light is not affected). A failure of the brake lamp bulbs to illuminate could lead to a rear end vehicle crash. Dealer will replace all rear lamp modules in affected vehicles with new rear lamp modules redesigned with a more heat resistant material, different bulbs, and enhanced lamp holder mountings. Dealer will also place a label in the vehicle operator manual indicating new bulb part number assignment.
Please review the Effective Serial Number chart.
Included is a sample copy of a letter which owners of the affected vehicles will receive.
Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:
- Please check VMI to insure the vehicle is involved and to determine if the vehicle has been previously repaired.
- Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin.
Approximately 69,302 vehicles are affected.
Effective Serial Number Range
NOTE:
Every vehicle in the VIN range may not be included in the campaign. VMI must always be checked before performing campaigns to verify that the campaign is required on a specific vehicle. VMI always overrides the bulletin in reference to a specific vehicle's inclusion in a particular campaign. Please also note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Procedure
WARNING:
Risk of injury to skin and eyes from handling hot or glowing objects.
1. Open trunk lid.
2. Remove first-aid kit on left side; remove flap in wheelhouse paneling and CD changer (if applicable) on right side.
3. Remove nuts (A, Figure 1).
4. Disconnect electrical connector (B).
5. Replace tail lamps (C) on both sides of vehicle.
NOTE: Ensure to install and position seal (D) correctly when installing new tail lamp.
6. Reassemble in reverse order.
7. Place new sticker over previous lamp specifications in Operator's Manual as shown in Figure 2 for Model Years 1998-2002, or Figure 3 for Model Years 2003-2004.
Parts Information
NOTE:
- Please be aware that only the part number(s) referenced in the Campaign Bulletin is/are approved for use to repair the vehicle. Repairs performed using any other part(so) will not have been performed in accordance with the campaign. Accordingly, warranty claims submitted with reference to an improper part number(so) will be denied.
- The following allowable labor operation should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair:
Warranty Information
Operation: Tail Lamp Units (Both), Replace (02-5323)
NOTE REGARDING CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT
Reimbursement to customers for repairs performed prior to this recall:
If the customer already paid to have this recall campaign condition repaired and provides adequate documentation to support their claim of a non-warranty repair of this item, they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes.
Reimbursement is limited to the amount the repair of the Tail Lamps and related parts associated to the replacement would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer under this campaign.
Submit a warranty claim, utilizing Damage Code 82 920 36 8 as a sublet, utilizing the sublet code of "SUB." Sublet repairs require dealer text as stated in the Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Repair date should be the date that the customer paid for the repair.
NOTE:
- Please note the claim submitted for customer reimbursement will not close the campaign (if still open). If the customer is still in possession of the vehicle with an open campaign, please arrange to close the campaign in the usual manner as described in this bulletin.
- If the Operator's Manual is missing from the vehicle, it will not be replaced as part of this campaign.