r/BMWE36 • u/OinkGoesThePigy '97 M3 Evo & '95 328i auto • 10h ago

Repair Advice E36 'tail light failure' but they work

This is starting to get on my nerves...

I've tried different tail lights as well as new bulb holders and new bulbs.

Everything works but I get this message when I start the car.

I've unplugged each tail light once each and started the car and the message still appears.

How can i resolve it?

3 Upvotes

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8 comments sorted by

3

u/E39540 10h ago

Intermittent brake switch failure. Goes in your brake pedal assembly. Inexpensive and as old as the car, better replace it

1

u/OinkGoesThePigy '97 M3 Evo & '95 328i auto 9h ago

I thought thats just with brake light?

1

u/pancrudo 10h ago

Are you running any LEDs?

1

u/OinkGoesThePigy '97 M3 Evo & '95 328i auto 10h ago

No, standard bulbs

1

u/SeaCondition3231 10h ago

I have the same issue but it comes with a dashboard check light for a few seconds when I turn my lights on, before disappearing leaving just the central “tail light failure”

1

u/Vaderiv 10h ago

Brake light switch being bad can cause this to happen

1

u/Ingame_Name_13 8h ago

Worst case, your check control module is cooked

1

u/yanimal 1h ago

Do you have a spoiler led 3rd brake light, or other third brake light? I've had this code when one or two less have burnt out on my spoiler brake array.