Brake Circuit Fail - 328i

[anniesdad]

My check computer thingymybob started flashing on my way to work this morning "Brake Circit fail" - "See Owners Manual". Of course the owners manual is at home

Seems I've lost 2 brake lights, nearside and hi-level. Any ideas anyone. Is it a dealer/specialist job. Or is it a replacement fuse?

[BlackStuff]

At risk of stating the obvious, have you checked the bulbs? If not, and if the fuse is ok then I'd have a good root round in the boot and see if there's a bad earth somewhere.

Both bulbs appearing to fail together might not be as daft as it seems. I'm not sure whether the high level brake light is actually covered by the OBC diagnostics, so it may be that it has been out for a while. Only now the n/s bulb has gone and triggered the OBC to warn you have you become aware that the other bulb has failed too!

>> Edited by BlackStuff on Friday 6th August 10:02

[anniesdad]

BlackStuff said:

At risk of stating the obvious, have you checked the bulbs? If not, and if the fuse is ok then I'd have a good root round in the boot and see if there's a bad earth somewhere. Both bulbs appearing to fail together might not be as daft as it seems. I'm not sure whether the high level brake light is actually covered by the OBC diagnostics, so it may be that it has been out for a while. Only now the n/s bulb has gone and triggered the OBC to warn you have you become aware that the other bulb has failed too! >> Edited by BlackStuff on Friday 6th August 10:02

Cheers Mate,

Obviously I'll start with the bulbs and the fuse, it's just when a brake light fails you get "brake light fail" on screen. This time, I'm getting a flashing "brake circuit fail" and can't help thinking it's something other than bulb/fuse.

I'll check for a bad earth as well.

[RoryC]

Edit, just re-read you first post.

So do you have any brake lights that work? Sorry if i have missed this but it is the morning after the night before, so to speak!




>> Edited by RoryC on Saturday 7th August 10:01

[silverback mike]

Had the same thing myself.

First thing that needed to be checked was the brake switch under the brake pedal.
Pop it out and wd40 it, may be a bit stiff.
Mine needed to be free'd up a bit, as none of my brake lights were working due to this fault.

sorry if I am stating the obvious to you.