I'm throwing a code but nothing is wrong... - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Z22Z · 03-06-2009, 07:14 PM

About a week ago my car threw a code saying left brake light malfunction. I turned the car off to go call my friend out to check it out and when I started the car again the code went away. The lights were working fine and I didn't get another code until today. I checked the lights out and they were working fine, there are no loose connections, and the code only went away after I parked for about twenty minutes only to be thrown again. What could cause this to happen and what are possible fixes?

MShao825 · 03-06-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z22Z

About a week ago my car threw a code saying left brake light malfunction. I turned the car off to go call my friend out to check it out and when I started the car again the code went away. The lights were working fine and I didn't get another code until today. I checked the lights out and they were working fine, there are no loose connections, and the code only went away after I parked for about twenty minutes only to be thrown again. What could cause this to happen and what are possible fixes?

There are 2 bulbs in each brake light, so 4 total (2 on the driver's side, 2 on the passenger's side). It's possible that one of the 2 bulbs on the left brake light is dying/dead, but you just didn't notice it when you looked because the other one was still properly lit. See if that's the case, because I had the same experience.

Kensta335 · 03-06-2009, 07:26 PM

I had the same issue before. Take it to the dealership and they can resolve it for you.

Z22Z · 03-06-2009, 07:35 PM

I forgot to mention that the left tail light was changed by the dealer because it had a problem shorting.

Z22Z · 03-06-2009, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshao825

There are 2 bulbs in each brake light, so 4 total (2 on the driver's side, 2 on the passenger's side). It's possible that one of the 2 bulbs on the left brake light is dying/dead, but you just didn't notice it when you looked because the other one was still properly lit. See if that's the case, because I had the same experience.

wouldn't one light be brighter than the other?

ferrari355fi · 03-06-2009, 07:42 PM

06 and 07 models have a poorly designed light housing unit. The bulbs aren't very secure. Go to the dealership and ask about the upgrade on the light units. I had mine replaced because it kept saying that a bulb was out.

1N54E92 · 03-06-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z22Z

About a week ago my car threw a code saying left brake light malfunction. I turned the car off to go call my friend out to check it out and when I started the car again the code went away. The lights were working fine and I didn't get another code until today. I checked the lights out and they were working fine, there are no loose connections, and the code only went away after I parked for about twenty minutes only to be thrown again. What could cause this to happen and what are possible fixes?

I have the same problem. I took it in but the dealer said light wasn't out.Something about high resistance on rear brake light bulb. Next day, code was gone. The code back on and off for few months. Just last week it finally went out and the error code is not going away. I will be taking it in for bulb replacement.

03-06-2009, 07:14 PM	#1
Z22Z Lieutenant Drives: WRX Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Glendale, CA Posts: 536 iTrader: (0)	I'm throwing a code but nothing is wrong... About a week ago my car threw a code saying left brake light malfunction. I turned the car off to go call my friend out to check it out and when I started the car again the code went away. The lights were working fine and I didn't get another code until today. I checked the lights out and they were working fine, there are no loose connections, and the code only went away after I parked for about twenty minutes only to be thrown again. What could cause this to happen and what are possible fixes?
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03-06-2009, 07:26 PM	#3
Kensta335 Brigadier General Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: So Cal 626 Posts: 3,616 iTrader: (4)	I had the same issue before. Take it to the dealership and they can resolve it for you.

03-06-2009, 07:35 PM	#4
Z22Z Lieutenant Drives: WRX Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Glendale, CA Posts: 536 iTrader: (0)	I forgot to mention that the left tail light was changed by the dealer because it had a problem shorting.

03-06-2009, 07:42 PM	#6
ferrari355fi Lieutenant Drives: Montego Blue E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Main Line Posts: 469 iTrader: (0)	06 and 07 models have a poorly designed light housing unit. The bulbs aren't very secure. Go to the dealership and ask about the upgrade on the light units. I had mine replaced because it kept saying that a bulb was out.