Brake Lights help

[roadrash]

When trouble-shooting something like this and trying to isolate a problem, it's important to only change one thing at a time.

In this case, starting from "everything working properly"...

• Add one of the extra wires, then check to see if it works correctly.
• Install the lights back into the lens and check it again. (perhaps something is getting compressed when they're installed in the lens and that creates the short?)
• I suggest then removing the first wire, etc., (go back to "everything works" state).
• Add the wire to the other side, check, mount in the lens, check again.
• If that side also works correctly, reinstall the first wire and check both sides together.

At some point in all of that, the fuse might blow again, but hopefully you'll have more of a clue what caused it because you only changed one thing.

Another random thing to check... make sure that the screws and connectors you used aren't creating a short circuit by touching another area of the metal part.

Also make sure you're using a fuse of the correct amperage.

[trikzta]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

If the bulbs are the same then there is a short somewhere in the mod or can they be the wrong type bulb?

This really isn't rocket science.

i know it isnt rocket science but yeah the bulbs are all the same..

Roadrash: the fuse is the correct amperage i really dont see the screws and connectors touching anything else but the part they are hooked up to.. ill see and try to figure out whats up and let you guys know whats up

[trikzta]

so the fuse for the brake light that came with the car didnt work so i bought some expensive fuses with the same amperage and well guess it was better quality than the ones that were in there and the lights work perfect now and is not blowing fuses with the mod installed

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by trikzta

so the fuse for the brake light that came with the car didnt work so i bought some expensive fuses with the same amperage and well guess it was better quality than the ones that were in there and the lights work perfect now and is not blowing fuses with the mod installed

Fuses do vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
When I worked in electronics I always bought UL approved fuses.
I always use BUSS for the car.

[MyTi82]

what is the third brake light there for if it doesnt work "normally" and we need a mod in order to get it to work?

and what is the mod exactly.....

[roadrash]

Originally Posted by MyTi82

what is the third brake light there for if it doesnt work "normally" and we need a mod in order to get it to work?

and what is the mod exactly.....

The "third brake light" and the "extra brake light" are two very different things. The "third brake light" is the one at the top of the back window in the center. The "extra brake lights" are in the same housing as the normal brake lights and turn signals.

Search for "extra brake light mod" in the Knowledge Base sub-form.

[MyTi82]

thankz, will do. hopefully i wont run to any issues like this guy did.......sounds like that was frustrating.

but still, why is it there? its just like a bulb n everything just there for no reason?

[roadrash]

It's "there" because it is used as a fog light in Europe and possibly other places in the world.

[MyTi82]

rear fog lights?!? i never woulda guessed that one! interesting

[trikzta]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Fuses do vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
When I worked in electronics I always bought UL approved fuses.
I always use BUSS for the car.

didnt know there was any quality difference in fuses but well now i do and now i know to buy the better ones thanks guys for the help and tips

[trikzta]

so i did the this mod and well everytime i press the brakes 4 to 5 times the fuse blows.. why is that? i thought the wire i used had something to do it with it sinse is high amperage wire so i went and bought some 15amp wire and still it blows the fuse i removed the mod and the fuse works fine doesnt blow and well what could be the problem? should i use a 20amp fuse ?

[familytruckster]

Originally Posted by trikzta

so i did the this mod and well everytime i press the brakes 4 to 5 times the fuse blows.. why is that? i thought the wire i used had something to do it with it sinse is high amperage wire so i went and bought some 15amp wire and still it blows the fuse i removed the mod and the fuse works fine doesnt blow and well what could be the problem? should i use a 20amp fuse ?

sounds like the added draw from the extra bulbs is blowing the fuse. The bulbs are what draws the current. You might have a short to ground or to more bulbs that is causing too much draw. Could just be the type of bulbs you are using also.