Electrical Gremlins....

[mike_dmt]

So, I bought my 01 4.4 a few months back. In just the last few weeks, it seems to have developed a few quirks.

Today on the freeway, cruise control on, and just going along the "check brake lights" warning went off. It's done this a couple of times in the last little bit. I get out, check the lights, no problems. I haven't popped a taillight housing out to look, but are these lights built like the older 3 series? Where its a circuit board, and the sockets start to arc and eat the metal away? I don't mind upgrading the lights, I just don't feel like chasing a short.


Also occasionally, I get the "Door Open" warning. Dome lights flicker on, and that's it... One and done. I've searched those threads pretty well. I need to just isolate which door has a potential short.. Anybody have advice on expediting the process?

My question is this: Are these false warnings connected somehow? It doesn't seem like they could be, but.... who knows.


I love this car, but if this is a taste of whats to come... I might dump it. Hate to say it because I love it for the most part... But niggling little problems bug me worse than a big failure

[Phr3d]

Not familiar with 3-series issues, but a gob of info about the e53 tail lights here - long and short, open 'em up and clean 'em out.

door ajar is a pain, likely a switch, but:

Is your battery new to your personal knowledge? Gremlins are worse with a less than perfect battery, IME (see "what did you do for your e53" topic for said experience).

[mrbmwx5]

Originally Posted by mike_dmt

So, I bought my 01 4.4 a few months back. In just the last few weeks, it seems to have developed a few quirks.

Today on the freeway, cruise control on, and just going along the "check brake lights" warning went off. It's done this a couple of times in the last little bit. I get out, check the lights, no problems. I haven't popped a taillight housing out to look, but are these lights built like the older 3 series? Where its a circuit board, and the sockets start to arc and eat the metal away? I don't mind upgrading the lights, I just don't feel like chasing a short.


Also occasionally, I get the "Door Open" warning. Dome lights flicker on, and that's it... One and done. I've searched those threads pretty well. I need to just isolate which door has a potential short.. Anybody have advice on expediting the process?

My question is this: Are these false warnings connected somehow? It doesn't seem like they could be, but.... who knows.


I love this car, but if this is a taste of whats to come... I might dump it. Hate to say it because I love it for the most part... But niggling little problems bug me worse than a big failure

sockets start to arc and eat the metal away
Check and clean the wiring harness at the door .

[mike_dmt]

Cool. Thanks guys. Of course it hasn't done either since I posted the thread..lol.