Brake Lights barely functioning

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PaulyV
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 173
Joined: Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:00 pm

Post Mon May 15, 2006 11:00 pm

Apologies for what is close to a second post but I have a much clearer idea of the issue now.

It seems my brake lights are not coming on and off randomly when the car is at speed - they largely are not working at all. At standstill in the dark I was able to check them out this evening and the following occurs.

When depressing the brake pedal nothing, however if I tap it just slightly, the brake lights go on and stay on even though my foot is off the pedal...another tap and they go off.

Any ideas?

best

Pauly
1990 318i LUX, Alpine White, 80,000 miles, as close to mint as I'll ever get.
316eyes
E30 Zone Regular
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Joined: Fri Feb 18, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sunny Greece

Post Tue May 16, 2006 2:13 am

Check the brake light switch behind the top of the pedal.

I must have changed at least 6 with the same symptoms.
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Brianmoooore
E30 Zone Team Member
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Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Tue May 16, 2006 10:08 am

Yes, has to be the brake switch. Not the most reliable component on an E30.
Also check that the brake pull rod across the car behind the heater box is adjusted correctly, so that it lifts the brake pedal up to work the switch.
Rod should be adjusted to just take up all the slack.
PaulyV
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 173
Joined: Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:00 pm

Post Tue May 16, 2006 12:21 pm

Thanks for that. Not near my car but I assume that panel under the steering wheel into which the pedal goes comes off fairly easily?

best

Pauly
1990 318i LUX, Alpine White, 80,000 miles, as close to mint as I'll ever get.