Brake lights not working

Tiny
SONASARDAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 BMW 318
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 85,000 MILES
Brake lights not working, changed bulbs and fuse ok, suspect brake switch, where is this located please
Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 4:06 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
Remove the drivers kickpanel above the pedals.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
SMUDGE677
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
If the above has worked good news but I had this prob on my 1998 318is. It turned out to be the connectors on the plate which the lights attach to. Try just pushing in the little (hard to explain) connector bits what the bulb is pushed and turned to connect into. Basically to make a tight fit. I hope it works for you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, February 12th, 2010 AT 4:25 PM
Tiny
UKSIMON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 BMW 318
For some reason my brake/stop lights on my 1995 318i have stopped working. At first I thought it must be a problem with the cluster, so I changed both sides. It worked great for a day then suddely stopped working. Fuses are ok. Bulbs are ok.(Changed them anyway)

Power is getting to the bulb holder on the right. But:-
If you connect the left cluster the stop light bulb holder loses power in the right cluster.
If you put a bulb in to the right cluster the left cluster loses power. Neither bulb lights up anway. I checked the output at the main connecting plug to check this.

All the other lights in the cluster, reversing, indicators, side lights and Fog all ok. Just the stop / brake lights.

Got me pulling my hair out (what little there is) spent hours trying to find a short etc.

Any one got any ideas? Funny earth? Short? All connections are clean (cleaned em anyway) and firm.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
This could be the brake light switch
try replacing the brake light switch and repost if more help is needed.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KPSBIMMER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 BMW 318
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Hi! I have a 95 318i convertible. I have no brake lights and replaced bulbs, checked fuses. Still no lights. All other lights work. I also have been hearing a chime. Is it possible I need to replace brake light switch underneath steering wheel? I havent gotten any warning lights come on on dash either.

Thank you!
Karen
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,601 POSTS
The brake light switch will require replacement and it is under the steering wheel and the under dash will need to be removed. Go to Realoem. Com and look for part number 61-31-8-360-420
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OLDRED1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • BMW 318
83 BMW 320i, 5sp, 1.8l engine; 165,000miles. Brake lights won't come on. Swapped fuses even though it looked good, no luck. Turn signals, tail lights, reverse, and all other lights work fine. Thanks in advance for your help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The brake switch at the pedal bracket It probably needs adjustment if not replacement.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 7:26 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links