Bizzare Electrical problem

[m3f_kgriggs]

Newbie question - My '97 m3 (e36) that i purchased used 2 weeks ago in Atlanta will not engage the cruise control unless lights are off . If u turn lights on the cruise disengages and if lights are on the brake lights are super bright even when u are not pushing on the brakes! Is this a wiring problem or what?



Thanks,



Keith

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

What all has been messed with on the car? Headlamps, taillamps.. anything of that nature?

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

looks like your headlights are triggering the brake switch.. so the car lights up at the back and cruise turn off... strange problem i think this is the first ive heard of it.. check your brake switch and the bulb sockets in the back to see if all the contacts are ok..

[m3f_kgriggs]

What all has been messed with on the car? Headlamps, taillamps.. anything of that nature?

I changed a brake bulb that was off and a 400watt amp and subwoofer were added by a stereo place. I will check their work again. thanks 4 your help.



keith

[m3f_kgriggs]

looks like your headlights are triggering the brake switch.. so the car lights up at the back and cruise turn off... strange problem i think this is the first ive heard of it.. check your brake switch and the bulb sockets in the back to see if all the contacts are ok..



I will check those items. I changed a brake bulb that was off and a 400watt amp and subwoofer were added by a stereo place. I will check their work again too :dance: . thanks 4 your help.



keith

[m3f_sameguy]

I'd' make them check their work, they are probably getting power for your amp or something from someplace that's not quite right. These card are very finicky about their electrical systems.

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

let us know what you find out.. so we can help others if it happens.. good luck

[m3f_kgriggs]

Ok - I Will. Havent' Had Time To Check It Yet.



Thanks,

Keith

[m3f_kgriggs]

More info on Bizzare Electrical problem- Instead of BMW stock I have ESDEPO Clear Tail Light Assemblies (#014441912L-R and R-R) on the '97 M3 I bought but it must be wired wrong (per the BMW) dealership given when the headlights are on all 3 of the brake lights light up all the time, the cruise will turn off if you turn the lights on (it thinks the brakes are on so it shuts off) . . . I need to get a wiring diagram or find out who sells the product - do u guys have a clue? I like the ESDEPO look but if i cant fix lights & cruise i may have to spend $400 to put stock on there.

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

you mean the euro clear lights like e38 crystals right? made by depo? thats what i have but someone wired your lights wrong. looks like your parking lights and brake lights are shorting.. i really cant help you now since im out of town in san jose but when i get back to vegas i'll look at the wires.

[m3f_kgriggs]

Thanks. They are ESDEPO # 01-444-1912R-L and R-R (it says it on the outside of the brake lens). Where does one order DEPO parts?



you mean the euro clear lights like e38 crystals right? made by depo? thats what i have but someone wired your lights wrong. looks like your parking lights and brake lights are shorting.. i really cant help you now since im out of town in san jose but when i get back to vegas i'll look at the wires.

[m3f_park828_94ead836d3]

one thing you should try. disconnect the plug on both rear lights and see if the cruise control works. then we know they wired the lights wrong. if it still does not work then there is a problem in the wire harness itself.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

Sometimes the actual bulbs can go bad as there are two filiments in them. So one filament touches the other and causes a short. Try taking individual bulbs out as well. If removing one fixes the problem, then get a new bulb.

[m3f_kgriggs]

My local mechanic (not a BMW dealer) fixed my problem by several hours of time with an Ohm meter and rewiring the tail light assemblies. Now cruiise, brake lights, etc work right! Thanks for tips guys.



New question is (answer may be in archives somewhere here) - how can i fix previous owner's overzealous use of poliching compound on spots on the hood? There are 3 places the size of a quarter with circular scratches from the compound or a rough towel. Wax does not work but i am ordering some factory touch up paint. Any pointers?



Thanks.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

My local mechanic (not a BMW dealer) fixed my problem by several hours of time with an Ohm meter and rewiring the tail light assemblies. Now cruiise, brake lights, etc work right! Thanks for tips guys.



New question is (answer may be in archives somewhere here) - how can i fix previous owner's overzealous use of poliching compound on spots on the hood? There are 3 places the size of a quarter with circular scratches from the compound or a rough towel. Wax does not work but i am ordering some factory touch up paint. Any pointers?



Thanks.



You need lighter rubbing compound to get the scratches out created by the heavier compound.