Mercedes-Benz Brake Light Switch Problems
Learn how easy it is to change the brake light switch on your Mercedes Benz. Brake light switch issues with Mercedes-Benz cars are the #1 problem that most owners face. A defective brake light switch can cause the lights not to turn on, therefore causing accidents and possibly getting you in a middle of a lawsuit you could have avoided. A failed brake stop light switch may trigger the ABS, ESP, and ETS warning lights on your dash, through your transmission into limp mode, or allow you to get the car out of the park.
Common symptoms of a defective brake light switch.
- Car stuck in Park.
- ABS ESP ETS lights come on.
- I cannot move the shifter from Park to Drive.
- Brakes Defective Warning on Instrument Cluster
- The car won’t shift gears. Stuck in 2nd gear, limp mode.
- The brake lights don’t work. (Brake light switch can still be defective even if the brake lights work. Checking the brake light operation is not a good test.)
- ESP, BAS, and ABS lights turn on. The car won’t shift properly. Stuck in gear.
Parts & Tools Required
To change the brake light switch on your Mercedes-Benz, you will need a star torx bit set. You can buy a set on Amazon for under $20. One of our favorite sets is the Neiko 10071A 13-Piece Torx Bit Cr-V T-Socket Set.
A new brake light switch is needed for this repair. You could buy a new brake light switch at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, or if you want to save money, you can buy it online. Check out these listings on Amazon for Mercedes-Benz Brake Light Switch under $25. You will find listings from the most popular brands, such as Beck Arnley and URO, and even the Genuine OE brake stop light switch.
DIY Instructions: How to change the brake stop light switch on a Mercedes-Benz
Step 1. Locate the brake light stop switch
The brake light switch is located right above the brake pedal. To access it, remove the underside panel cover. Usually, the panel is held in place with 3 to 5 screws. Mercedes-Benz uses Torx head screws. You will need a Torx set such as this T-Handle Star Set. Some of the older Mercedes-Benz cars used Philips screws, so check before you order a star screwdriver set.
Step 2. Remove panel
Once you remove all the screws, you are ready to pull down the underside panel. In most models, you don’t need to completely remove it, pull it down to access the brake light switch.
Step 3. Remove the brake switch.
The brake light switch is located right above the brake pedal. It could be either on the front or the back of the pedal. In the W211 E-Class, it is on the front. The older W210 E-Class, it is located in the back on the back of the pedal. You may need to lie on your back to access the switch. To remove the switch, press the locking tab and rotate it clockwise.
Step 4. Install new switch
Once you remove the old brake light switch, unplug the electrical wires from it. Plug the wires in the new switch and install it by twisting it counterclockwise. Watch the following video on how to install a brake stop light switch on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
I can’t get the car out of the park. Is it the brake light switch?
While the shifter module itself could be the problem, it is most likely that the brake light switch needs to be replaced.
How To DIY Repair Video
DIY: Mercedes ML320 ML430 Brake Light Switch W163
Applicable Models and Part Numbers
001 545 95 09 05, 001 545 9509, 0015459509 This part will fit models.
202.024: 1999-2000: C230: from ch# A809595 or# F894084
202.029: 1998-2000: C280: from ch# A809595 or# F894084
202.033: 1998-2000: C43 AMG: from ch# A809595 or# F894084208.465: 2000-2003: CLK320 conv
208.365: 2000-2003: CLK320 coupe
208.470: 2000-2003: CLK430 conv
208.370: 2000-2002: CLK430 coupe
208.374: 2001-2002: CLK55 AMG coupe
208.474: 2002-2002: CLK55 AMG conv210.083: 2000-2002: E430 4m sedan
210.070: 2000-2002: E430 sedan
163.154: 2001-2002: ML320: from ch# A371935 or# X778321
163.172: 2001-2001: ML430: from ch# A371934 or# X778320
163.175: 2002-2002: ML500: from ch# A371935 or# X778321
163.174: 2000-2002: ML55 AMG: from ch# A371935 or# X78320
170.466: 2002-2004: SLK32 AMG
0015454009Mercedes W211 W219 E320 E350 E500 E55 CLS 550 CLS 500 Class
001 545 64091999-2000 > Mercedes Benz > C-Class > C230
1999-2000 > Mercedes Benz > C-Class > C280
1999-2000 > Mercedes Benz > C-Class > C43 AMG
2000-2003 > Mercedes Benz > CLK-Class > CLK320
merc.benz 1999 E320 wagon,shifter stuck in park,used pointed screw driver to shift from park,i replaced the brake switch and shifter works,defective switch.thanks for suggestion.
Can’t find brake light for 2003 ml350. It is not above the brake paddle.