brake lights

[scorpion]

hi 2001 x5 4.4i while driving (check brake light warning displays on information centre) and then i get no brake lights,and all off sudden they start working, it dont happen too frequent,but often enough that u want to fix the problem,if anybody could help me would be much appriciated,thanks

[Sudesh]

You may have a some corrosion around on the inside, where the bulb touches the metal plate for earth. Use a light file on the metal to clean it up and try it again. I know some members actually replace the tailights for this problem also.

[KUCAK]

Originally Posted by Sudesh

You may have a some corrosion around on the inside, where the bulb touches the metal plate for earth. Use a light file on the metal to clean it up and try it again. I know some members actually replace the tailights for this problem also.

Yep, mine did the same thing. Bulbs are fine. Just need a better connection..

[Sudesh]

Before you go to the expense of buying new tailight that may now be needed just have a go with the a light file. A bit of sandpaper will also work. Your only rubbing metal so it wont do any harm.

[supersteve]

I had the same thing happen last week on my '01 4.4 X5. It turned out to be the sockets. Just pull them out and clean them up.

[scorpion]

cleaning up the brake light sockets and putting some corrioson block ,i think has solved the problem,hasnt occured again.i grately appriciate the help thanks again

[EKS PYB]

and another satisfied member! i like it when i hear stories that end this way...good to hear you solved the problem

[mdccrook]

I had this same problem the other day and could not figure out what was wrong. I finally rubbed my index finger over the metal inside of the tail light where it connects and put the bulb back in a it worked! I was just about to give up. I think there must have been some corrosion or dirt on the connection and by wiping it off, I allowed for a better connection. This may not work for everyone, but it is the quickest and cheapest thing to try first. Good Luck.

[X5Flyboy]

My used '01 X5 started showing "check ____ light" between 50K-53K (6 times untill I gave up and replaced just about everyone) - some due to corrosion, which included the rear latch assy, the replacement of which cured most of my "trunklid open" warnings

[JBD]

also if you bend the tabs out a little bit (after scuffing up/sanding) it will make a better contact and prolong it from happening again sooner