If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.
You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed.
To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
; my 1995 318i has a mind of it's own! When I unlock the doors, or the trunk lock, my console lights - hvac lights - and license plate lights go on by themselves. When I lock the car with the outside door locks, the trunk lock, or the inside actuator, the console lights - hvac lights - and the license plate lights go out. This just started happening in the last couple of weeks. Anyone know what's wrong? Thanks
the lights coming on/off when you unlock/lock sounds normal. Its usually just the interior courtesy lights that do it though. If all the others are aswell, i could assume there is short somewhere. As long as they still light when needed, i say leave it alone.
__________________ <span style='color:gray'><span style='font-family:Courier'>1995 e36 3 Series RIP
1999 e46 3 Series BURN IN HELL
2000 MR-S Roadster= Current</span></span>
Hi! I have exactly the same problem on my 1993 318iS. Only on my car the lights go on when I lock my car and go out when I open it. Wright now I haven't noticed this problem for a about three weeks. But anyway I would like to know what causes this.
I'm going to keep searching for the gremlin, and when I find it I'll let you know what's causing the problem. I'm guessing it's some kind of electrical short or since my car sits outside, there may be some kind of moisture related problem since it's been raining nonstop for the last three weeks. Thanks for the response.
Hi! I have exactly the same problem on my 1993 318iS. Only on my car the lights go on when I lock my car and go out when I open it. Wright now I haven't noticed this problem for a about three weeks. But anyway I would like to know what causes this.
This is exactly the problem I am having. I have noticed this a couple of times but this morning my battery was dead and I suspect this fault is the cause.
The exact symtom is that when the car is locked (central locking working fine) the instrument lights, rear ash tray light and rear number plate lights will come on and stay on until I unlock the car. Car works perfectly apart from this.
Possibly the relay in your fuse box may have gone bad. There cheap to replace $9-$20. I'm replacing all the relays in my car as my 93 318is has electrical issues.
Possibly the relay in your fuse box may have gone bad. There cheap to replace $9-$20. I'm replacing all the relays in my car as my 93 318is has electrical issues.
I'm still trying to cure this problem without any progress. The problem occurs intermittently, i.e. sometimes the instrument lights, switch lights and rear license plate lights stay off when I lock the car and sometimes they stay on. Also the problem is inconsistent when it does occur, in that occasionally when the lights remain on after locking, they will go off after some length of time (much longer that the normal courtesy light delay time).
I am thinking of a temporary work around until I can fix this. My current idea is to replace the rear license plate bulbs with low wattage LED bulbs and then turn down the instrument lights so they are off when I lock the car. That way I hope that the car will not drain the battery flat overnight when the fault occurs.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
; my 1995 318i has a mind of it's own! When I unlock the doors, or the trunk lock, my console lights - hvac lights - and license plate lights go on by themselves. When I lock the car with the outside door locks, the trunk lock, or the inside actuator, the console lights - hvac lights - and the license plate lights go out. This just started happening in the last couple of weeks. Anyone know what's wrong? Thanks
-SOLD..
Linear Mode
