tail light problem displaying on control panel

[nickxtsui]

hi:

I am a brand new bimmer, and this is my first thread here. So please allow me to say hello to every one here.

I have a 2001 325Ci. The tail light seems have problem because the it is displayed on control panel. I have completely no idea what is happening but trying to get rid of the problem. I don't even know if that is a "check engine light" although I would not think so.

Anyone has any idea what could be the culprit of the problem?

Thanks a lot.

Nick

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by nickxtsui

hi:

I am a brand new bimmer, and this is my first thread here. So please allow me to say hello to every one here.

I have a 2001 325Ci. The tail light seems have problem because the it is displayed on control panel. I have completely no idea what is happening but trying to get rid of the problem. I don't even know if that is a "check engine light" although I would not think so.

Anyone has any idea what could be the culprit of the problem?

Thanks a lot.

Nick

Normally this indicates that there is bulb out, but if the bulbs are all good, you will need to check all the contact points in the bulb sockets, make sure they are clean of any corrosion & that the contact points are solid & not burnt.........also make sure the right bulbs are being used. Also double check & make sure the ground for the tail light is tightly secured.....

jb

[nickxtsui]

Thanks Johnny. Very appreciate it. How do I know my bulbs is out? Any special tools I need to open the tail light I guess?
Thanks

Originally Posted by johnnyBgood

Normally this indicates that there is bulb out, but if the bulbs are all good, you will need to check all the contact points in the bulb sockets, make sure they are clean of any corrosion & that the contact points are solid & not burnt.........also make sure the right bulbs are being used. Also double check & make sure the ground for the tail light is tightly secured.....

jb

[330xicoach]

I had a similar problem in my 2001 330xi, but it wasn't the bulb or the contacts, it turned out to be a hairline crack in the circuit board where the bulbs plug in (rear drivers side). It was pretty simple to fix, just had to drill some small holes on either side of the crack and soldered in a jumper wire. In this case the directional would flash at twice the normal speed and the indicator would come on, but it didn't always happen. I hate intermittent problems, but it was just the luck of the draw, sometimes it was making the connection and other times it wasnt. Hope you corrected your problem.

[romeomike]

See if reading this helps:

http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-s...tml#post574208

Adios for now,

RM

[guyreed989]

Originally Posted by 330xicoach

I had a similar problem in my 2001 330xi, but it wasn't the bulb or the contacts, it turned out to be a hairline crack in the circuit board where the bulbs plug in (rear drivers side). It was pretty simple to fix, just had to drill some small holes on either side of the crack and soldered in a jumper wire. In this case the directional would flash at twice the normal speed and the indicator would come on, but it didn't always happen. I hate intermittent problems, but it was just the luck of the draw, sometimes it was making the connection and other times it wasnt. Hope you corrected your problem.

I'm wondering if this is relative to a problem in my 2001 330ci. The drivers side rear tail light is showing on the dash as out, and I have replaced it twice now with the correct bulb (Im certain) and it doesn't turn on when the breaks are depressed. To add to the confusion, when I push the brake pedal with the headlights on, they flash about every 3 seconds. So I have a 2 part question.
1) Did you experience any headlight issues with your issue?
2) Since I have no personal experience soldering, any idea what that would cost to have done?
Thanks for any and all feedback, you guys rock!

[330xicoach]

I didn't have any related headlight issues when I had this problem, but what you are describing does sound like an improper ground for that tail-light. Read the link referenced by romeomike...that also avoids any soldering and might correct your problem.