Right-rear brake light not working... Bulb OK

Entropy · #1 01-22-2019, 02:05 PM

My right rear brake light hasn't been working for some time now. I replaced the bulb and still no luck. It's the bulb in the middle of the main right rear tail light assembly. Where should I start?

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Black-Forest · #2 01-23-2019, 11:13 PM

You could check/clean the bulb holder contacts. I have done the same on our e70 with good results.

Entropy · #3 01-24-2019, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black-Forest

You could check/clean the bulb holder contacts. I have done the same on our e70 with good results.

I’ve tried that and no luck. I noticed the housing itself is a bit melted and perhaps it’s deformed causing no contact. Next going to try a volt meter to see if the voltage steps up when brakes are pressed.

n64456 · #4 01-27-2019, 10:59 PM

There is a recall on the E60 5 series regarding the rear light assemblies. Apparently the ground path for the lights is inadequate and the current flow corrodes the return path causing it to overheat and damage the wiring connector. There was a TSB out for it; then BMWNA issued a recall. You might be having the same problem; since the X5 was originally based on the 5 series platform.

I fixed it myself by riveting (you could also use a machine screw and locking nut) a new ground wire to the light frame and spliced it into the return ground wire; bypassing the connector. Worked like a champ, and that was exactly what the original TSB directed the technician to do as well...

Entropy · #5 01-28-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n64456

There is a recall on the E60 5 series regarding the rear light assemblies. Apparently the ground path for the lights is inadequate and the current flow corrodes the return path causing it to overheat and damage the wiring connector. There was a TSB out for it; then BMWNA issued a recall. You might be having the same problem; since the X5 was originally based on the 5 series platform.

I fixed it myself by riveting (you could also use a machine screw and locking nut) a new ground wire to the light frame and spliced it into the return ground wire; bypassing the connector. Worked like a champ, and that was exactly what the original TSB directed the technician to do as well...

Thanks for this. I'll give it a shot.

jeffmiller · #6 03-02-2019, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n64456

There is a recall on the E60 5 series regarding the rear light assemblies. Apparently the ground path for the lights is inadequate and the current flow corrodes the return path causing it to overheat and damage the wiring connector. There was a TSB out for it; then BMWNA issued a recall. You might be having the same problem; since the X5 was originally based on the 5 series platform.

I fixed it myself by riveting (you could also use a machine screw and locking nut) a new ground wire to the light frame and spliced it into the return ground wire; bypassing the connector. Worked like a champ, and that was exactly what the original TSB directed the technician to do as well...

I'm having the same problem. Have replaced with bulb and the build holder with new OEM units, without any luck.

The above procedure sounds exactly like the type of thing I tend to screw up. Is it possible to completely replace the light to fix the issue?

n64456 · #7 03-02-2019, 10:54 PM

Possibly; but the problem is that the ground path is inadequate. It usually overheats the connector that plugs into the lamp assembly. look for signs of overheating or burning (usually dark brown discoloring) on the connector to the lamp. That connector and pins will need to be replaced (or bypassed) as well... This is what the E60 Tech bulletin says the do.

schurikde · #8 03-03-2019, 06:14 AM

You should check short circuit counter in FRM module also.

jeffmiller · #9 03-03-2019, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n64456

Possibly; but the problem is that the ground path is inadequate. It usually overheats the connector that plugs into the lamp assembly. look for signs of overheating or burning (usually dark brown discoloring) on the connector to the lamp. That connector and pins will need to be replaced (or bypassed) as well... This is what the E60 Tech bulletin says the do.

Good to know, I'll check that.