Check control messages

[911sculler]

I am getting a check control message that says "brake light circuit - check owners manual". The owners manual doesn't cover this particular phrase and neither does my Bently manual. What does this mean? Is this a bulb failure or something more concerning? The car is a 1997 328i Sedan with automatic transmission. Please help...

[Yurick]

I would check the obvious first - brake lights.

[whosyadadie01]

i got a similar message of brake light failure ... all the lights work just dont no why it says it ... seems to be a common problem with some on the e36"s

[grafhky52]

if it says brake light circuit you need a brake switch. and for the brake light failure if all lights are working pull each one out and see if the bottom of the bulbs are burnt or the sockets.

[whosyadadie01]

Originally Posted by grafhky52

if it says brake light circuit you need a brake switch. and for the brake light failure if all lights are working pull each one out and see if the bottom of the bulbs are burnt or the sockets.

all the lights work but i had to do a little repair job on one of the lights being that one of the contacts got melted and i had to bypass it with a peice of wire lol ..... and 911sculler i dont mean to steal your thread just trying to get my problem adressed at the same time

[Silvercat]

Originally Posted by grafhky52

if it says brake light circuit you need a brake switch.

I've had it happen a couple of times - and after searching various forums I've just ordered the switch! Seems to be a fairly common problem.

[SCOTITUDE]

BTDT. common problem. you need a brake switch. its above the brake pedal under the dash. part available from our host. fix takes 10 min.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE36/POR_BE36_ELswch_pg4.htm#item28

[Kurt Sampara]

It does take 10 minutes. Just a piece of advice: Crush the old switch out with vice grips. The switch self locks in place and is very difficult to remove being civil. Have fun. K.

[911sculler]

Thanks for the help everyone! I just ordered the part and will be replacing it as soon as it gets here. Thanks again for the help!