Tail Light Bulb

This procedure covers the replacement of tail light bulbs in the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, accessed through the trunk interior without removing the entire light assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light bulb - brake/tail × 1 — A2229064201 or equivalent 21/5W
• Tail light bulb - turn signal × 1 — A0009069106 or equivalent PY21W amber
• Tail light bulb - reverse × 1 — A0009062106 or equivalent P21W

Preparation

1. Open trunk fully and ensure adequate lighting in trunk area
2. Identify which bulb position has failed (brake/tail, turn signal, or reverse light)
3. Locate the fabric/carpet access panel on the interior trunk side wall behind the tail light assembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove trunk interior access panel
   Locate the fabric-covered access panel on the trunk interior side wall directly behind the tail light assembly. Carefully peel back or remove the velcro-attached fabric panel to expose the tail light bulb carrier assembly. Some models may have a plastic cover secured with a quarter-turn fastener - rotate counterclockwise to remove.
2. 2

   Identify bulb socket position
   Behind the access panel, you will see multiple bulb sockets inserted into the tail light housing. From top to bottom (or based on your specific model layout): brake/tail light socket (dual-filament), turn signal socket (amber bulb), reverse light socket (white bulb), and potentially side marker. Identify the socket corresponding to the failed bulb.
3. 3

   Remove bulb socket from housing
   Grasp the bulb socket firmly and rotate counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn (90 degrees) until it stops. Pull the socket straight back out of the tail light housing. Do not twist excessively or pull without rotating first, as this may damage the locking tabs.
4. 4

   Remove failed bulb from socket
   For bayonet-style bulbs (most positions): Press the bulb gently into the socket and rotate counterclockwise 1/4 turn, then pull straight out. For dual-filament brake/tail bulbs, note the offset pins to ensure correct reinstallation orientation. Inspect the socket for any corrosion, melting, or damage.
5. 5

   Install new bulb
   Wearing nitrile gloves or using a clean cloth, handle the new bulb only by its metal base. For bayonet bulbs, align the offset pins with the socket grooves, insert fully, and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks. Ensure the bulb is seated completely and locked in position. Verify bulb type matches the position (21/5W for brake/tail, PY21W amber for turn signal, P21W for reverse).
6. 6

   Reinstall socket into tail light housing
   Align the socket with its opening in the tail light housing, ensuring any alignment tabs or keys are properly oriented. Insert the socket fully into the housing and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until it locks securely. Gently tug on the socket to verify it is locked in place.
7. 7

   Test bulb operation
   Before reinstalling the access panel, have an assistant operate the vehicle lights (ignition on, press brake pedal, activate turn signal, engage reverse gear) to verify the new bulb illuminates properly and all other tail light functions still work. Check for proper brightness and no flickering.
8. 8

   Reinstall access panel
   Once bulb operation is verified, reinstall the fabric access panel by pressing the velcro backing firmly into place, or rotate the plastic cover quarter-turn fastener clockwise to lock. Ensure the panel sits flush and does not interfere with trunk operation or cargo.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bulb sockets are fully locked into the tail light housing with a 1/4 turn clockwise rotation
2. Verify the trunk access panel is securely reattached and does not rattle or come loose

Verification

• With ignition on, verify parking lights illuminate the tail light position
• Have assistant press brake pedal and verify brake light illuminates brightly
• Activate turn signal and verify proper amber flashing at correct rate (not hyper-flashing)
• Shift to reverse and verify reverse light illuminates white
• Check that no warning messages appear on instrument cluster regarding exterior lighting faults

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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