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Home / DTC / B1617 — Part E19/1 (Left license plate lamp) is defective

B1617 — Part E19/1 (Left license plate lamp) is defective

Detailed page for trouble code B1617.

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Code

B1617

MERCEDES-BENZ B — Body

Part E19/1 (Left license plate lamp) is defective

Brand: MERCEDES-BENZ
Type: B — Body
AI status
Completed
ready
Completed 100%
Page language: EN

Causes

  • Burnt or failed bulb / LED module in left license plate lamp (E19/1)
  • Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the lamp
  • Open circuit or short in the wiring between lamp and body control module (BCM) / SAM
  • Faulty ground connection at the lamp
  • Defective BCM / SAM output or internal driver for the lamp
  • Intermittent contact caused by moisture or physical damage

Symptoms

  • Left license plate lamp not illuminated
  • Possible asymmetric lighting at rear of vehicle
  • Bulb out warning or dash message (depending on model)
  • DTC stored and possibly current/faulty lamp indicator in diagnostics

What to check

  • Visually inspect the left license plate lamp for damage, moisture or discoloration
  • Verify whether the lamp lights when switched on (parking lights/DRL as applicable)
  • Inspect connector for corrosion, bent pins, water ingress or loose fit
  • Check fuse(s) related to exterior lamps (refer to vehicle manual)
  • Scan BCM/SAM for stored faults and live data on lamp output
  • Measure supply voltage and ground at the lamp connector with ignition on

Signal parameters

  • Battery voltage at lamp positive pin (expected ~11–14 V with ignition/parking lights on)
  • Voltage drop between lamp positive and ground
  • Continuity / resistance of lamp filament or LED module (ohms)
  • Ground resistance to chassis
  • BCM/SAM lamp output status (on/off) and diagnostic status bits

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Use a scan tool to read fault memory and confirm B1617 is present; note freeze frame / run conditions.
  2. Visually inspect lamp E19/1 for physical damage, moisture, or loose mounting; remove lamp to inspect bulb/LED.
  3. With lamp removed, test the lamp externally on a known good 12 V supply to confirm lamp functionality.
  4. With ignition and lamps ON, measure voltage at the vehicle connector: verify battery voltage at the supply pin and good ground at ground pin.
  5. If supply voltage is present and lamp works externally, check connector continuity and wiring back to BCM/SAM for opens or shorts (use back-probing or disconnect harness and measure).
  6. If wiring checks OK but lamp still not powered when commanded, monitor BCM/SAM output status with a diagnostic tool while commanding the lamp on/off; if output does not change, suspect BCM/SAM driver fault.
  7. Repair or replace failed component: socket/connector cleaning or replacement, repair/replace damaged wiring, replace lamp module if faulty.
  8. After repair, clear DTCs, verify lamp operation and perform road/ignition cycles to ensure DTC does not return.
  9. Safety note: avoid shorting terminals; disconnect battery if performing extensive wiring repairs or module replacement per manufacturer procedure.

Likely causes

  • Failed lamp unit (most common)
  • Corroded socket/connector or poor pin contact
  • Broken wire near lamp or in harness junction
  • Failed lamp driver in BCM/SAM

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Left license plate lamp (E19/1) defective — lamp circuit malfunction detected (open/short/driver failure).
🟢 Repair difficulty: Easy
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.3-1.0 hours

Similar codes

B1616 B1620 B1621 B1630
856

Browse 856 MERCEDES-BENZ manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.

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