Problem with Check Control on Dash

[55802]

I have a 2003 BMW 325xi. The "CHECK CONTROL" display on the Instrument Panel sometimes shows and sometimes does that there is an issue with the "CHECK BRAKE & TAIL LAMP" on the passanger side. I've looked at the brake and tail lights and the appear to be working. Other functions on the display work properly, such as when you open a door and close it. Does anyone else have this issue, or have a fix for it?

Thanks,
Skip

[Bob]

I have a 2003 BMW 325xi. The "CHECK CONTROL" display on the Instrument Panel sometimes shows and sometimes does that there is an issue with the "CHECK BRAKE & TAIL LAMP" on the passanger side. I've looked at the brake and tail lights and the appear to be working. Other functions on the display work properly, such as when you open a door and close it. Does anyone else have this issue, or have a fix for it?

Thanks,
Skip

Try cleaning the metal bulb bases, a little corrosion will trigger the system, even new asian bulbs can be a problem.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

It may mean that the ground wire in your tail lamp is on its way out. For some reason, BMW did a really crap job with that on the E46es. There's an OEM kit to fix it if you want, or you can just reground it. Pull the bulb fixture out and inspect the connector. If there's any melting around the brown wire, you want to deal with the sooner, rather than later.

IIRC, the fix is essentially to run a second wire to the metal bulb frame outside of the connector. It's been a while since I did it, though, so I'd pull up a DIY.

[///M44ti]

Have you actually verified that the tail light/brake light are working while the warning light is on? Sometimes a loose filament can cause an intermittent connection, which in turn causes an intermittent warning. If the warning light is coming on while the light is working, then it is probably something else...

[55802]

Thanks Bob! Happy New Year to you.... Skip

[55802]

Thanks Nick! Happy New Year!
Skip

[55802]

Yes Caroline, I did that, and it stayed on. Thanks & Happy New Year! Skip

[John in VA]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...l+light+ground

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ght=tail+light

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...l+light+ground