Caveat Emptor
I'd been having recurrent problems with my brake lights. The symbol on the dash would indicate that they were not functioning. I would remove the fuse box cover, jiggle the 15 amp fuse, and they would work for another 6 weeks.........no big deaL
Last week, my method failed to correct the problem. I went to a local garage who advertised a "certified Mercedes mechanic". This alleged certified mechanic called and advised me that I needed a new brake light switch, a new master cylinder, and a new power brake booster; but nothing of an electrical nature. The total job, including both labor and parts, would cost $1150. Additionally, I was charged $77 for his diagnostic services
I called an old friend who had been the service manager at the local Chrysler dealership prior to its closing. Presently, he's the service manager at a KIA dealership about 30 miles from me. I took it in and he bypassed the brake light fuse with a new circuit and its own inline fuse. Total cost: $220.
A significant part of the $220 was labor charges to rule out the problems the certified mechanic had identified
Skeptical Don