Display says "Check Rear Lights"

[jcdavis]

When I start up my car the display tells me to check rear lights. I have checked the rear lights over and over again and they are fine. Brake lights, back up lights, and night time running lights are all fine. What gives.

[FP5241]

There may be some corrosion on the bulb housing. Sometimes it can cause an error.

[nitrousz3]

well i dont know if i have a huge issue with corrosion because i get every warning on blubs in the book, no matter what i do and clean and replace they always come back random, anyone have a idea if these cars have a bad ground issue or something, sometimes i notice the foglight flicker, sometimes only one head light flickers, sometimes the right sometimes the left.... should i just check all ground points....

[Black528i]

Did you check your third brake light? I just replaced my bulb holder today and that took care of it. Run $4.10 at the dealer.

[bobbylax]

do have led taillights?

[Steve530]

First, check the third brake light as Black528i suggested. Next try swapping the backup light bulbs with the brake lights, holders and all.

I had to replace both brake light bulb holders last Spring. I checked the original holders and found no problems, but when I but them back in, the warning came back. The plastic was slightly yellowed compared to the new bulb holders, but other than that there was no difference.

[FP5241]

Good luck and keep us posted.

[jcdavis]

The third brake light works also. I might just have to replace all of the rear lights. 152k, my car deserves a little TLC.

[Big Chaze]

replace all the bulbs in your tails,...it's cheap to do.If the problem persists, then check the wirirng.

[Schnell98]

I had a BMW parts man tell me to be sure to use replacement bulbs with silver bases not brass or it would still throw a code even though the lights work. Don't know if this is your problem, just a thought.

[mrhankyco2]

the wattage has to be right

[Mark M5]

Changing out all the bulbs sounds like throwing out the baby with the bath water. I'm not much of a DIY guy, so I'd take it to a mechanic to diagnose it.

[I8URVTC]

First, check the third brake light as Black528i suggested. Next try swapping the backup light bulbs with the brake lights, holders and all.

i was getting the same thing (check rear lights) and i couldn't find the problem i did this ^^^^ switched the bulb holders from left to right and haven't had a problem since

[jamesdc4]

I had this problem and discovered that there are two red parking lights on each side in the rear. One was burnt! Doh!

[98M3_4]

I had this problem and discovered that there are two red parking lights on each side in the rear. One was burnt! Doh!

+1, LOL, i went thru this too. I was just glad it was as simple as this and not anything wrong with the Celis LED tails, ballasts themselves

[cdb3113]

I had this problem and discovered that there are two red parking lights on each side in the rear. One was burnt! Doh!

+1.

Also, sometimes the bulbs vibrate in the housing a little and cause a slight disconnect. I go to look and the light is on. Next time it is off. Hit it, it comes on. Take the housing out and press the bulb back in, and its fixed.

[Big Chaze]

Changing out all the bulbs sounds like throwing out the baby with the bath water. I'm not much of a DIY guy, so I'd take it to a mechanic to diagnose it.

It costs under 10 dollars....
The reason I said that was because mine was throwing a code, but all bulbs were good. I replaced a few at a time, and still the same problem.
Replaced all of them and bam.

[vv23]

Check the liscense plate lights as well--those are easily overlooked