"Brake Circuit Failure" NEW

[m3f_KUpolo]

OK, I finally got my "Brake Circuit Failure" warning on the OBC. I almost felt that this was a right of passage with these cars because it seems to happen so frequently.



I swung by the $tealership and bought the new switch for $30 and was about to do the install. Before the install, I ran a google search on the problem to look for some instructions and I found another lesser know issue that causes this warning. After looking at my car, this is definitely the case.



Here is what happened:



The brake lamp bulb socket was not making very good contact with the contact on the car. Eventually, the arcing created a hole in the contact. To fix it, I cleaned up the contact in the housing. I also cleaned the socket contact up quite a bit. So far, so good.



We'll see if this works long term, but I am concerned about the small hole that is in contact now.



Just thought that I'd post this as an FYI.



I also now have an extra switch if anyone wants it.

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

We'll see if this works long term, but I am concerned about the small hole that is in contact now.



If I'm understanding you correctly a drop of solder will fix that one.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

Mine would sometimes stop the error for a month at a time and it may be a coincidence that yours seems fine now. Keep the switch, you will need it eventually.

[m3f_gpasky]

Hey all , i had a code with brake light circuit failure. I was told by my mechanic it usually happens when you swap out your old M3 light housing with the clear ones. which i did. i bought the euro clear lenses.

The OBC doesnt recognize the new hardware so it throws out that code. He said not to worry abt it too much.. Mine goes off once in awhile but disappears. I wouldnt spend money on that, just make a self note that you know whats causing it.



Hope it helps!



Oh also make sure your brake lights do work just in case.

[m3f_Tpb31_67f747186d]

hey that happened to me today. I normally just pull out the bulb and then wipe it down, put it back in and it won't happen for a while.

[m3f_KUpolo]

If I'm understanding you correctly a drop of solder will fix that one.





Been out of town.



I was wondering what kind of solder I would have to use for this, does regular solder conduct electricity well enough? Also will melting temp be a factor?

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

Been out of town.



I was wondering what kind of solder I would have to use for this, does regular solder conduct electricity well enough? Also will melting temp be a factor?



I'm no expert on this actually but I would have thought the conductivity was fine and melting temps would never be reached... I wouldn't have even though to ask myself these questions had I been doing it myself...



Maybe somebody else could help?

[m3f_ukm3evo]

Have the same warning occasioanly. Seems when the warning is on, the high level brakelight in the top of the boot lid (mines a convertible) does not work. Usually after the next start the problem goes away (or at least the warning does). I think my problem is a bad earth between the LED in the boot lid and the chassis. Next time it comes on and stays on I will go hunt it down!

[m3f_black sheep]

I have also had it on and off. Sometimes Ill get the warning 3-4 times in a row a day, and then i might not see the warning for a week, and then there like a old lost girlfriend there she is again, and it hangs around for a few mor times before dissapearing.

To me it has become a nice visit, that doesnt bother me as much as it used to,,LOL,

So ill let it be for now



BS

[m3f_KUpolo]

Black Sheep: Yours is probably the switch that I referred to in my first post. It is very simple to replace it yourself.

[m3f_Markesq_53919446a8]

I just replaced my switch tonight. Hope that solves the problem. Also, my wing brake light does not work. Any suggestions?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I just replaced my switch tonight. Hope that solves the problem. Also, my wing brake light does not work. Any suggestions?



OEM spoiler? Check the connections for it. Most common place is where the third brake lamp is wired.

[m3f_FLi GLi]

and then there like a old lost girlfriend there she is again, and it hangs around for a few mor times before dissapearing.





Blacksheep,



If any of your "old, lost girlfriends" resemble what I can make out of the two chicks in the picture under your name, HOT DAMN!!!! :bugeye:



I would welcome them back to "hang around" anytime!!!





FLi (sorry, a bit OT, but I couldn't help it...)

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Been out of town.



I was wondering what kind of solder I would have to use for this, does regular solder conduct electricity well enough? Also will melting temp be a factor?



Some regular 60/40 rosin-core silder from your local radio shack will be just fine. Dont' get acid core though. And if your wires do heat up, they'll melt before the solder will...

[m3f_KUpolo]

Some regular 60/40 rosin-core silder from your local radio shack will be just fine. Dont' get acid core though. And if your wires do heat up, they'll melt before the solder will...





Will give it a try.