Brake lights out

**weezer** · 07-05-2006, 11:53 PM

I'm wondering if someone here could help me. My brake lights are out; fuse is fine, all the bulbs are good. I looked for a related thread, but could not find one. Has anyone experienced this problem. Need help fast.
Thanks,
Fariz

**weezer** · 07-06-2006, 01:23 AM

Bump

**1996 328ti** · 07-06-2006, 01:33 AM

switch?

DustenT · 07-06-2006, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weezer

I'm wondering if someone here could help me. My brake lights are out; fuse is fine, all the bulbs are good. I looked for a related thread, but could not find one. Has anyone experienced this problem. Need help fast.
Thanks,
Fariz

Did you do the double brake mod? Are you running the correct euro oval-contact bulbs? If you have OBC, is that working too (they are on the same fuse)? The switch is located directly above the brake pedal. Get a flashlight, tip the seat back and lay backward with your head under the dash to get a good view. Sometimes you need to readjust or install a small spacer to make it work (ask me how I know!).

robcarync · 07-06-2006, 08:12 PM

how do you know!?!?!?!

campaiar · 07-06-2006, 08:37 PM

Geez, don't encourage him!!

John Firestone · 07-06-2006, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

switch?

That would be my favorite suspect as well. The 50A(?) surge through the E36 brake light switch when you first touch the brakes, and probably even more if you double up the brake lights

, slowly erodes away its contacts. Even though they are reasonably heavy and bifurcated, the contacts eventually fail. There is a guy over at bimmerforums who seems to replace his switch every couple years. I am working on a longer term solution.

**weezer** · 07-06-2006, 10:32 PM

I will check the switch under the dash. I've checked all the bulbs they "seem" fine, the fuse is fine. But I will also check the bulb sockets.
Thanks all........I will still welcome some more suggestions and recommendations.

**weezer** · 07-08-2006, 10:39 PM

Okay, everything checked out.....no corroded sockets, fuses good......probably the switch. However, which ne is it? Went to Autozone and their computer askes for 2 or 4 pin brake switch???!!
Does anyone know?
Dusten........this spacer fix....how an I do it?
Thanks,
Fariz

John Firestone · 07-09-2006, 09:35 AM

You want a two-pin switch. The four-pin switch is for cars with check control.

**weezer** · 07-09-2006, 12:20 PM

What is check control anyway?
But thanks for the info.

John Firestone · 07-09-2006, 12:56 PM

Check control is a system that would warn you when a brake light is out or your brake switch has failed, among other things. It was an option on all the E36s except the Z3 and the compact (e.g. your 318ti).

**weezer** · 07-09-2006, 01:10 PM

Awesome, thanks!

John Firestone · 07-09-2006, 01:14 PM

You bet. I hope the new switch restores your brake lights!

**weezer** · 07-09-2006, 10:42 PM

Well, I fixed the brake light switch problem by adding/taping a spacer onto the the pedal where it touches the switch and it works.....just like Dusten said. I have a feeling it is temporary, so I will still purchase the switch. However, this was a relatively simple and cheap repair.

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