MB Medic Mercedes-Benz Repair Guides, Service, How To DIY
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Scanner Can I Use to Diagnose/Troubleshoot Mercedes-Benz Problems?
If you’re experiencing problems with your Mercedes-Benz, a YOUCANIC full system diagnostic scanner can help you troubleshoot the issues. This advanced diagnostic tool can read and interpret the fault codes stored in your car’s computer system, providing detailed information about any problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, or other critical systems.
The YOUCANIC scanner can also perform diagnostic tests on various systems, including the ABS, airbag, and steering systems, to help pinpoint the root cause of any issues. With this information, you can make more informed decisions about repairs and maintenance, saving time and money on costly repairs.
 I replaced the brake light switch, but the lights are still on.
If you replaced the brake light switch and the light is still you should check a few other things, such as:
- Fuses and Relays
- ABS pump
- ABS wheel speed sensor
- Brake Fluid Level
- Get an advanced scanner to read trouble codes.
How difficult is it to replace the brake light switch on my Mercedes-Benz?
Changing the brake light switch is easy. Follow the directions on this page, and you can replace the brake light switch in less than 20 min.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz brake light switch cost?
You can find a replacement brake light switch for very little. Click on the Amazon link to find some of the best Mercedes-Benz Brake Stop Light Switches prices.
How much does it cost to change the stop light switch?
At a mechanic repair shop, it can cost between $120-$250. If you do it yourself, it can cost less than $20. You will save $100+ by working 20 minutes.
Where can I buy the brake light switch for my Mercedes-Benz?
You can buy the brake light switch at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, or you can get an OEM Genuine Mercedes-Benz switch on Amazon.
The brake light is on. Is it the brake light switch?
Yes, it could be the brake light switch. Other problems could be such as low brake fluid level or failed ABS wheel speed sensor. There is no specific way to know without first doing some troubleshooting.
Where is the brake light switch located on a Mercedes-Benz?
Right above the brake pedal. Â If you remove the panel, you will see the brake light switch in the picture below.
ABS, ESP, and BAS lights are turned on. What should I do?
Try turning off the engine, removing the key, waiting a few seconds, and restarting the car. That may solve the problem temporarily. Even though the problem could be multiple things, the brake stop light switch is the first thing you should inspect.
Which Mercedes-Benz models are impacted by the defective brake light switch?
This is a common problem in Mercedes-Benz models E-Class, C-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, ML-Class, and CLK-Class. Too many to list here, but the most frequently defective brake light switch problems are seen with E 320 C 240 CLK 500 ML 320 ML 350 S 430. Starting back in 1996 model years up to the current models.
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
Mercedes W208 W210BAS ABS ESP fault..replace brake light switch E320 CLK320 E430
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
All rights reserved Notice: CLOUD
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.