warning annunciator....rear lights

[Ralf*]

2001 E39 530d

For the last 2 days or so, the warning annunciator comes on to advise that a light on the right rear is not working, however when I check the lights, all of them are working....

then switch off and switch on...warning gone....for about 5 minutes then it returns again

now I am confused

 

[P1000]

Check the middle brake light in the window, replace it from the boot. It is on the same warning as the right rear lamp. Otherwise your problem it the wiring loom going to the bootlid, but its usually the middle brake light

 

[Ralf*]

thanks P1000

shortly after posting this I had the same suspicion about the window brake light, and went to check...currently its working, the next time I get the warning I will check it again.

 

[P1000]

I know my holder for the middle lamp is slightly melted, and it sometimes stops working, so it might be that...

 

[Solo Man]

Have read that it could be a bulb on its way out. Don't ask me how the the car knows this

 

[Roundal]

I have had exactly the same problem. OBC shows RR or 3rd brake light failure and all are working! I just replaced the RR brake light and problem solved. Solo Man is right! The car knows! I think it works on voltage drop and as the light is about to fail, you will get voltage drop.

 

[whattingh]

Maybe could also be a bad contact of the bulb in the socket.

 

[Ralf*]

Decided to change the rear window brake light globe, and as I removed the globe holder the glass portion of the globe came off in my hands leaving the solid metal portion behind in the socket...took some prying to get the remains out, changed to a new globe and so far almost 2 days warning free....jipee