check: Brake Light Circuit???

[BMWJuve]

I own a '98 328i and very recently I have noticed that the "check control" light has come on and when I go to check the controls it says: Check Brake Light Circuit, see Owner's Manuel. However, I cannot find anything that relates to that in the manuel, nor do I notice any problems with any of my brake lights. Has anyone else had this problem? Anyone know what is wrong??? The weird thing is, when I restart the car it woun't appear again, but it's done this on and off a few times in the past month.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
~C

[Blue 328]

Cee, that is happening to me right as I type to you. I just got my car back from the mechanic and just as I drove a few blocks it started up again. He suggested to me that since it wasn't the wiring cause we checked it. It has to be the socket in which the bulb goes into. The brake light are on, but on the screen it keeps blinking brake light circuit. Check it out and see if it works for you too. Good luck!!!
:thumbup:

[BMWJuve]

Thanks for the info, so did your mechanic fix the problem by checking the socket? If so, how much did that cost?

Thanks again.

[Jon S.]

I've had the same problem and corrected it by replacing the switch located at the
brake pedal. The brake light failure warning light is a different issue, related to the
contact of the bulb (i.e. the sockets being oxidized).

[BMWJuve]

Thanks! Around how much did it cost to replace that switch and any clue as to why that warning code only pops up every now and then, instead of every time I turn on the car?

[Paul Frey]

I also had the problem and replaced the brake light switch on my 94 325i. It has not come on since then and it has been several months. The part cost me about $35 at the dealer and I replaced it in a half our myself using my trusted Hanes manual. Fairly easy although it was tough twisting my body to reach up under the dash (driver's side). The only catch is that you have to hold the brake pedal down while you replace the switch and once installed, release the pedal slowly to set the switch.

[gek330i]

Maybe this will come in handy:
http://members.roadfly.com/kunhage/brake_light_switch_TIS.gif

[BMWJuve]

Thanks, that helps a lot. :)

[Arrowguy]

Another nuisance problem. I had this happen so much it's not funny.
Every time the fix has been to replace the switch by the brake pedal.
Installing the new switch is a no brainer. Removing the old switch is a five wrench affair; I just snip the neck off since I'm throwing the old switch away That new switch will buy you a fewmonths until the next failure.

[Bmwcat]

I was lucky, did not have to replace the brake light switch. I found some corrosion on the bulb-holder contacts which I filed off and sprayed with WD-40. Even the bulbs were good. That was July of 2004 and I have not had a problem since. But replacing the brake switch prolly not a bad idea also. :p