2000 528i Brake Light Problem via Console

Hello,

I was hoping someone could shed some light on my problem. My 2000 528i started have the center brake light not work intermittently about two weeks ago. I checked the bulb and it was fine. I even swapped it out just in case with two other new ones with the same center light showing up on my console as not working. I noticed that if I pressed hard on my brake that it seemed to cause the console light to go off even though it would intermittently light up while driving and go off all by itself. As of yesterday, the center brake light on the console is permanently lit without going out. I checked the fuse and even swapped it with an exact one without any change. I swapped out bulbs again just to be sure. I unplugged the connector where the bulb inserts to examine it closely. No breaks in the two wires seen. So, either the end piece where the bulb inserts is bad some how or the problem is some place in the circuitry.

Any ideas from those that might have had this same problem???

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks,
RSH

Reply » 2000 528i Brake Light Problem via Console

I had a similar problem with a Nissan Maxima...it ended up being the sensor in the circuit that tells the system if the third brake light bulb is burned out. Had to replace the sensor module, and then the light worked fine again. Like you, I checked for continuity in the bulb (good) and the fuses...and scratched my head. The dealer clued me in on the sensor module.

Reply » 2000 528i Brake Light Problem via Console

Thanks - I'll definitely look into it even though it doesn't sound very easy as a do-it-yourself project.

Any other input out there?

RSH

Reply » 2000 528i Brake Light Problem via Console

I was wondering if replacing the sensor module was something I could possibly do and where is it located.

RSH

Reply » 2000 528i Brake Light Problem via Console

I would contact the parts department at your local BMW dealer or independant....most of them will assist you with a simple diagnosis. Go to where they know you, and get most of your service done. My local dealer knows me, and is more than willing to assist with little stuff, knowing I get all my major services and warranty work handled by them.

Reply » 2000 528i Brake Light Problem via Console

Sounds like a plan.

I was curious when your sensor module went out on the other car you owned, was the bulb out as well? My bulb is out along with it being lit on the dash even though the bulb and fuse work OK. I figured that maybe it would be lit on the dash with the bulb still being lit. I'm not really sure how it works. Maybe it doesn't turn the bulb on if it malfunctions and lights up on the dash that it's not lit. This made me think that maybe the holder where the bulb fits was bad but there's not much to it.

Oh well, I was just wondering. Looks like I'll take it in to the dealer.

RSH

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