E36 check control issue

[DanL]

Thought I'd tap into the knowledge of the collective again. :)

So - from time to time I get "brake light circuit failure" message pop up on the old check control jobbie. The lights seem to be working perfectly when I step on the brake pedal, however, and when I next start up the car I don't get the message. Any ideas? It's a '98 328 coupe, and has only covered 55k miles...

Dan

[RobbieM-Evo]

I've had this on a old 325i coupe, I found it to be the conectors that hold the bulb. You need to take the bulbs out from the conectors and rub the conectors with some course paper to remove unwanted dirt/grime build up. I did this and had no further problems.

Let us know how you get on.
Regards
Rob

[DanL]

I'll give it a whirl, but the rear lights are only a year old (changed them for some proper BMW clear indicator ones - the only "mod" I've ever made to a car). Would they suffer from crud build up in such a short time?

[RobbieM-Evo]

Try it first then have a look at conectors and see if they need pushing in to make a better conection.

When this was happing to my old car it did get on my nerves but as said playing with the conection sorted mine out.

Cheers

[chim girl]

I had the same fault, turned out to be a contact under the break pedal - if memory serves!!. It is a common problem, garage charged me about £10 to fix it.

>> Edited by chim girl on Tuesday 20th September 13:07

[jimjob]

I too had the same problem on my 96 coupe. Never did get to the bottom of it.. hey-ho!

[fixedwheelnut]

The bulb contacts are the most common fault [don't forget the third brake light if it is fitted].
Also the brake light switch can cause this fault if all the lights are working.

[DanL]

Thanks for all the replies, guys and girls. I think all the rear lights are working, but I'll have a crack at cleaning the contacts this weekend. The car's booked in for a service on the 4th October, so if (after cleaning the contacts) it still happens I'll get them to investigate the switch.

I'll let you know the outcome.

Dan