MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
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In this guide (5 sections)
Is one of your license plate lights burned out? Or are you looking to replace them with blue lights? This guide covers the swap itself and, just as important, the bulb choice that keeps the ‘Lights Defective’ or ‘License Plate Light Defective’ warning from coming on afterward. The job needs only a screwdriver.
Watch: Replace License Plate Bulb Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class X156 2014 to 2019
Tools and Parts Needed
- Screwdrivers
- Two replacement bulbs
- Original 6418 36mm festoon bulbs on Amazon
- or Blue Light Bulbs. (6418 36mm blue glass festoon bulb) Colored bulbs may violate local vehicle lighting laws.
Applications
- E-Class (1998 to 2007)
- C-Class (1998 to 2007)
- CLK-Class (1998 to 2007)
Before You Choose a Bulb
- Use the original incandescent bulb unless you have confirmed that an LED is compatible with your vehicle. Some LEDs trigger a bulb warning. A load resistor may prevent the warning, but it becomes hot and must be mounted away from plastic and wiring.
- We recommend replacing both bulbs at the same time. Both bulbs have similar service lives, so the second bulb may fail soon.
Repair Steps
- Open the trunk. This is not required, but it gives you more room to work.
- Remove the two screws as shown in the picture.
- Use a flat screwdriver to pry out the plastic bulb housing. Once you remove the screws, the housing comes out.
- Replace the old light bulb with the new one. The bulb sits in the housing, as shown in the picture. You may have to pry it out a little since it is tight. Release one spring contact, then remove the bulb carefully.
- Install the bulb in the housing, then seat the housing in the trunk lid. If it doesn’t fit properly, rotate the housing 180 degrees.
- Put the two screws back in. Be careful not to over-tighten them.
We recommend replacing both bulbs simultaneously.
That is it; you are done!
Related guides
- W203 C-Class rear tail light bulbs: brake, turn signal, reverse, and parking lights
- W210 E-Class headlight bulb replacement and upgrades
If you have any questions or comments, please post them below in the comments section.
Before you buy parts, scan every control module, not just the engine. It shows the root fault behind the warning lights and tells you whether the problem is still active. See how to do a full health check.
