brake lights
 

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

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..

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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