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Thread: Brake lights not working.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    NYC
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    86 911, 91 XJ

    Brake lights not working.

    Electrics are not one of my strong suits when working on cars. My brake lights flat out do not work. Not a single one of them and I havent the faintest idea where to start looking. Yes the bulbs are fine. I need some help here. Thanks in advance


  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Leesburg, VA
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    1,887
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    '74 tii, '85 & '86 535i
    The brake light switch is under the brake pedal, and activated when the pedal contacts it. They can go bad or be maladjusted.
    John in VA
    BMW CCA member
    National Capital Chapter
    '74 tii "Juanita"
    '85 535i "Goldie"
    '86 535i "M-POSSTR"
    '00 328i "Fern"
    '03 530i "Titan"


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Zionsville, IN
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    3,383
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    93 740i, 84 533i
    x2 on the switch. They go bad (little plastic parts break off) They cost about $10 at the local part store.
    Black on Black 740i - 10/92 build date, 225,000 miles.
    Delphin on Cherry 533i - 4/84 build date, 136,000 miles
    Black on Black 328i - 3/96 build date, 185,000 miles - Sold
    2008 Porsche Cayenne GTS

  4. #4
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    86 911, 91 XJ
    hrmm Ill check that now


  5. #5
    Join Date
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    so I replaced the brake light switch. The third brake light works now but the two in the actual assembly do not. All the bulbs are new. And all the other lights in the assembly work. The tails the signals and reverse lights all work. Im stumped... halp please.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Land O Lakes, FL
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    1,077
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    1986 535i, 2012 X5 50i
    Make sure you use bulbs with the silver base not brass. Clean all contacts in the bulb holder and where the tabs contact the tail light housing.
    Jimmy Moreno
    BMW CCA 115551
    1986 535i, Arctic Blue
    2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    Tulsa OK
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    119
    My Cars
    e28, e34, xj (stolen)
    Short the brake light switch contacts together and start wiggling things around in the taillights until something comes on. Corrosion is rampant in that area due to failing taillight gaskets. Failing that, check if you're getting voltage to the taillights at the harness.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Santa Cruz Mountains Calif.
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    170
    My Cars
    1983 528e, 1988 535is
    Ya my taillights went rogue and then started working and it always has since and it been two years!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
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    Golden, Colorado
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    DD: 1986 535i; 1972 2002

    brake light help

    Quote Originally Posted by Sam Son View Post
    so I replaced the brake light switch. The third brake light works now but the two in the actual assembly do not. All the bulbs are new. And all the other lights in the assembly work. The tails the signals and reverse lights all work. Im stumped... halp please.
    So, do you live anywhere near an ocean ??? As I recall, Long Island is surrounded by salt water. Salt air is known to accelerate corrosion problems. E28 lights with Those Funky Bulb Holders tend to have poor contact anyway, but it can be remedied.

    jimoreno: you are absolutely correct- find and replace any bulbs with a brass base, there should be nothing but nickel (silver color) in there.

    znmiller: right on, wiggling and banging are great techniques in fixing electrical gremlins! I am serious, I've gotten out of tickets for defective lights that way!!! Seriously, corrosion and weak contacts can usually be found by strategic 'wiggling'.

    Here's a more 'elegant' approach to these suggestions:

    When you close the brake light switch (short wires, or gently wedge the brake pedal down with a 'calibrated stick' between pedal and front seat), you will get constant voltage at the lights. Key to 1st click, of course.

    If the other lights are working, you have a good ground, since all rear lighting shares the same ground wire (to tighten, look under the rear seat bottom cushion, left side, brown wires).

    Since the center brake light works, you know the switch is good.

    Here's an easy test for individual bulb contact at the lights, best done in a dark garage or at night:

    1-- remove panel in trunk to expose lights
    2-- apply voltage to brake lights (either method above)
    3-- reach into trunk, grab hold of white plastic brake light socket, and push it in against the light while turning back and forth (bottom outboard sockets)
    4-- watch the light for flickering output which indicates bad contact area
    5-- if you find a good spot while turning, giving brightest output, you can leave it there if it's 'good enough for now'
    6-- another tip- remove bulb socket, bend the contact tabs up slightly, and clean up the areas (an ink eraser makes a good fine abrasive; avoid sandpaper and steel wool) where they make contact before reinstalling. A dab of petrolatum jelly, lip balm or vaseline, wouldn't hurt, either, to keep that salt air at bay.
    7-- another tip- unplug / replug both light and check panel relay connectors (below the trunk latch, left side) to displace surface corrosion
    8-- consider using high output bubs in at least tail and brake lights (I have these if you want - 34% brighter in brakes/ turns/ reverse, 150% brighter in tails)
    9-- consider adding a second brake and tail light bulb on each side for bigger, brighter, and redundant lighting (I can help here, too).

    Good luck, let us know when you get it all working as designed!

    Andy
    "Be Seen, and Not Hurt"!
    Lighting Upgrades for 2002, E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E36, E39
    Tail Light restoration and upgrades keep them off your tail
    Headlight protection film keeps lights intact and forward view clear

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
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    86 911, 91 XJ
    The problem is the metal contacts. There is too much corrosion and it is not allowing the electricity to flow. I tried soldering a wire from the side of the bulb holder directly to the exposed circuit but cant seem to get the solder to adhere to the circuit. Im gonna order new bulb holders see if that remedies it. That or just new tail assemblies. I really dont wanna spend the money on a cheap winter beater. But if I can get new assemblies cheap enough......


  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Kettering,OH
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    5,128
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    e34 535i and 98 528i
    I have a good set of tail lights with extra set of either brake lights or tail lights. For 40 each or 70 for both plus shipping.

    Andy

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
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    Sherman Oaks, CA
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    2011 328i
    I hate to even ask but have you pulled and reset your fuses?
    My e46 is for sale!

  13. #13
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by south42 View Post
    I have a good set of tail lights with extra set of either brake lights or tail lights. For 40 each or 70 for both plus shipping.

    Andy
    I keep ending up buying more and more parts from you.
    Quote Originally Posted by MCM97 View Post
    I hate to even ask but have you pulled and reset your fuses?
    Yes that was the first thing I did. I figured out the problem now. Its corrosion around the bulb holder connections. I soldered some wires directly from the holder to the exposed circuit which worked....for all of 5 seconds til the crappy solder gave way. I think I need a new iron.


  14. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
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    CT, USA
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    e28, e34, e39
    Quote Originally Posted by Sam Son View Post
    The problem is the metal contacts. There is too much corrosion and it is not allowing the electricity to flow. I tried soldering a wire from the side of the bulb holder directly to the exposed circuit but cant seem to get the solder to adhere to the circuit. Im gonna order new bulb holders see if that remedies it. That or just new tail assemblies. I really dont wanna spend the money on a cheap winter beater. But if I can get new assemblies cheap enough......
    Some sandpaper, paste flux and rosin core solder will give better results. After I did these to mine I've never had a corrosion problem again.

    The wire bridge is used for extra brake lights.

    demet

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
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    Golden, Colorado
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    DD: 1986 535i; 1972 2002

    soldering bulb leads

    Quote Originally Posted by demetk View Post
    Some sandpaper, paste flux and rosin core solder will give better results. After I did these to mine I've never had a corrosion problem again.

    The wire bridge is used for extra brake lights.


    Whoa! looks like a mad scientist is in the house! Actually, very tidy job for what it is.

    But hey- if it works, it works!! I bet there's some good voltage to those bulbs, looks like you solved the major complaint about E28 lights.

    Have you ever considered high output bulbs ?? Now THAT would be a sight to see. (they're on sale ...)
    "Be Seen, and Not Hurt"!
    Lighting Upgrades for 2002, E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E36, E39
    Tail Light restoration and upgrades keep them off your tail
    Headlight protection film keeps lights intact and forward view clear

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
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    CT, USA
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    e28, e34, e39
    Quote Originally Posted by MisterFixit View Post
    Whoa! looks like a mad scientist is in the house! Actually, very tidy job for what it is.

    But hey- if it works, it works!! I bet there's some good voltage to those bulbs, looks like you solved the major complaint about E28 lights.

    Have you ever considered high output bulbs ?? Now THAT would be a sight to see. (they're on sale ...)
    Looks scary doesn't it. So what's the deal with the high outputs? Tell us more please.
    demet

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
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    Golden, Colorado
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    DD: 1986 535i; 1972 2002

    High output bulbs

    Quote Originally Posted by demetk View Post
    Looks scary doesn't it. So what's the deal with the high outputs? Tell us more please.
    P3496/3497 High Output 27 W bulbs ($5 each, sale $4 each)
    Krypton gas filled, tungsten filament;
    Nickel (silver) base, per BMW requirement;
    Dual (3496) or Single (3497) filament;
    45 cp output, or 35% brighter in brake, turn signal, or reverse lights.
    For reference, stock is 25 W, 32 cp WHEN NEW, lower when old and darkened from use.

    R10W (5008) High Output 10W bulbs ($2 each)
    Inert gas filled, tungsten filament;
    Nickel (silver) base, per BMW requirement;
    Single filament;
    10 cp output, or 150% brighter in tail lights.
    For reference, stock is 5 W, 4 cp WHEN NEW, lower when old and darkened from use.

    796 Extreme High Output 35W bulbs ($7 each, special order)
    Halogen gas filled, tungsten filament;
    Nickel (silver) base, per BMW requirement;
    Single filament;
    74 cp output, or 130% brighter in brake, turn signal, or reverse lights.


    These are the bulbs I use in all my tail light upgrade kits, it's an easy way to quickly increase light output to at least try to be noticed among newer cars and trucks.

    'Veteran's Day' Sale going on right now through Sunday after Thanksgiving (11/27). Posted over on mye28, so offer is good here too!
    "Be Seen, and Not Hurt"!
    Lighting Upgrades for 2002, E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E36, E39
    Tail Light restoration and upgrades keep them off your tail
    Headlight protection film keeps lights intact and forward view clear

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Indian Creek, Il
    Posts
    80
    My Cars
    1988 BMW 528E
    have you used dialectric grease in the past?

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Golden, Colorado
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    213
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    DD: 1986 535i; 1972 2002
    Yes, good stuff. Anyone else have comments on this?
    "Be Seen, and Not Hurt"!
    Lighting Upgrades for 2002, E3, E9, E12, E21, E23, E24, E28, E30, E32, E36, E39
    Tail Light restoration and upgrades keep them off your tail
    Headlight protection film keeps lights intact and forward view clear

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Tulsa OK
    Posts
    119
    My Cars
    e28, e34, xj (stolen)
    Something that is di-electric is an insulator. Dielectric grease doesn't increase conductivity, but it can help prevent corrosion by physically covering the metal, preventing water and oxygen from reaching the connections. In short, it won't hurt and it might help.

    Check your taillight gaskets while you're back there. My lenses used to regularly fill up with water.

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
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    Camp Lejeune
    Posts
    2
    My Cars
    2000 BMW 540i Sport
    I'm way back at the brake light switch under the pedal. Where exactly is it? E39 540i 2000

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Location
    Leesburg, VA
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    '74 tii, '85 & '86 535i
    Quote Originally Posted by macjr82 View Post
    I'm way back at the brake light switch under the pedal. Where exactly is it? E39 540i 2000
    You're in the E28 section, but this might help: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...cement-(Video)
    John in VA
    BMW CCA member
    National Capital Chapter
    '74 tii "Juanita"
    '85 535i "Goldie"
    '86 535i "M-POSSTR"
    '00 328i "Fern"
    '03 530i "Titan"


  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Lawrence, KS
    Posts
    26
    My Cars
    1990 BMW 325i convertibl
    I was cruising down the road today in my 1990 e30 (in immaculate shape, I might add) and the brake light on the heads up panel illuminated. I got home without being rear-ended, and pulled into the garage and shut the door. Stepped on the brake pedal, and no lights reflected on the garage door. I check all fuses under the hood, and all looked fine. I removed the kick panel and removed the connector to the brake pedal switch and shorted the female pins with a paperclip. No lights. Turned key on. shorted and lights came on. Turned key off. Left switch in place and decided to put car back together and would order part tonight. No plans on driving the little Bimmer until the part arrived... but I noticed after I reconnected the cable assembly to the brake pedal switch, the brake lights now work.

    Who said there wasn't a Bimmer God???

    Anyone know the part number of the switch I need before the Gods get angry again?

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