Electrical Gremlins....
 

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

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).

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

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