I have an '88 535is that is being cared for by may father in Virginia while I am in Greece. He takes it out every weekend to charge things up. This past weekend he took it out and the "Check rear brake lights" light on the overhead check control panel illuminated. He checked the lights and they are all dead. He checked the fuses and checked continuity in the fuse box with a multimeter. I've searched this forum and found mention of the Brake Light Switch as a possible cause. I haven't been able to find anywhere that says someone changed the switch and it fixed the problem. I have no problem ordering a new switch but wanted to make sure I haven't overlooked/missed anything. I have a bentley manual at my fathers house if he needs it. Any advice/suggestions would be great. Playing internet mechanic sucks!
2. Check to be sure that the connections are good in the rear and check the contact points between the bulbs and the assemblies. These can get a little rusty and cause problems.
This same thing just happened on my e30. After replacing the bulbs and checking the fuses the brake lights were still out. So I replaced the switch behind the brake pedal this weekend and now all my brake lights are working. You can pick up the part a parts store for about $15. Taking out the old one was a PIA so I just broke the tabs and yanked it out. The new one goes right in with out a problem.
My dad said the other lights are working. I don't know if he checked the sockets, i'll tell him to check. He said he doesn't think it is a bulb/socket issue because they all died at the same time, but you never know.
[QUOTE="jay"]This same thing just happened on my e30. After replacing the bulbs and checking the fuses the brake lights were still out. So I replaced the switch behind the brake pedal this weekend and now all my brake lights are working. You can pick up the part a parts store for about $15. Taking out the old one was a PIA so I just broke the tabs and yanked it out. The new one goes right in with out a problem.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the confirmation on the switch. Did you also have the "Check Brake Lights" light on the overhead panel?
Mine were working one day and not the next. After some troubleshooting it turned out to be the ground to the relay back there under the lock motor.
happy hunting!
[QUOTE="smackmybutter535i"]Mine were working one day and not the next. After some troubleshooting it turned out to be the ground to the relay back there under the lock motor.
happy hunting![/QUOTE]
Thanks for the tip!
No prob booth99. a good thing to invest in would be the bently service manual for the E28 they have great wiring diarams that help me with all my electrical problems.
[QUOTE="smackmybutter535i"]No prob booth99. a good thing to invest in would be the bently service manual for the E28 they have great wiring diarams that help me with all my electrical problems. [/QUOTE]
I have one, it's at my dad's house with the car.,
The switch checked out good with a meter, lights still not working! Any ideas? I hate to tell my dad to take it to a shop so I can have it to drive the day I get back from Greece, thanks
