Brake lights failing

Tiny
BARRY MOSS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 BMW 530I
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • RWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 127,000 MILES
I bought the car online and got it yesterday. I looked the car over and found that one brake was on but nothing else, no turning signals or back up lights in the rear. In the front no turn signals. I check the bulbs and none blown. Any idea what to look for? This is my first BMW.
Monday, August 28th, 2017 AT 4:33 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,331 POSTS
Do you mean that brake light is on all the time, or that is the only light that works when it is supposed to?

With so many dead circuits, the best suspect is the light control module. It is behind the right kick panel. Normally I would have you check for twelve volts and ground on that module before replacing it, but there is no reference to those circuits on the diagrams, so I cannot tell which wires those are.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 28th, 2017 AT 10:17 PM
Tiny
BARRY MOSS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
When I press the brake pedal the only light that comes on is right rear checked all bulbs and none blown.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 AT 7:46 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,331 POSTS
Okay. Logic tells me the light control module must be getting twelve volts and ground if any circuit works. That leaves the module as the best suspect.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, August 29th, 2017 AT 7:16 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Brake Light Content

Brake Light Replace
VIDEO
Brake Light Replace
Instructional repair video
Brake Light Repair
GUIDE
Brake Light Repair
The brake light system in your car is used to help alert follow drivers that you are about to slow down, this system consists of to lower brake lights on the right and left...