Brake light/Park light problems

Hi,
Iam a new member to the forum and I am lookimg forward to learning about my 1995 BMW 540i. I am having consistent fuse issues #5 &6 affecting a park light, brake light and instrument panel. When I replace the fuses they last 2-3 hours to maybe a few days and then they burn out again. Sometimes the problem happens when I turn on the headlights or step on the brake peddle. All of the fuses under back seat have been checked and they are all good. I could use your help to troubeshoot this issue. Thanks much.

Shooting from the hip as electricity is funny.
1. Also, check all of the fuses in the underhood junction box. Check all for the correct amperage per the chart on the covers.
2. Check all bulbs for proper specified bulbs.
3. Check for a short. Are the bulb connections corroded or touching an inadvertent wire or the body of the car.
4. Does the 540 have a brake light switch? Check Bentley.
5. All of that fails - you can take your electric diagrams, multi-meter and a highlighter and start testing.
6. Might be a short in the LKM (Light Control Module). On my E34 it does control all lights, not just the headlights. It is in the Underhood junction box. It may also be loose.
7. Could be the wire connection to the fuse box.

As I said electricity is funny. Hopefully this is a common issue that a 540 owner will respond.

Definitely check the wiring on your trunk hinge arm. It will often short to ground there and blow fuses.

Presuming all the checks from my 525iT check out OK it sounds like a short to earth. I'd start by checking looms in the boot (trunk).

Originally Posted by BMWFatherFigure

Presuming all the checks from my 525iT check out OK it sounds like a short to earth. I'd start by checking looms in the boot (trunk).

copycat...






I'm just messin with ya.....

Thanks much. I will follow your suggestions and post the out come.