Strange Brake Light Problem

[318tifiter]

I have an E-36 318ti, 95. I just discovered that my brake lights automatically light up when I have my head lights turned on, without hitting the brake pad. When the head lights are off, the brake lights operate normally, that is, they light up when I hit the brake. Has anyone had this type of problem? I recently had work done on the rear, but I don't think the body shop took off the lights. Please help!

[GDB]

First, are you sure it's not just your tail lights that are on? If it is your brake lights then it sounds like some wires got crossed, you should be able to figure out which wires go where with a circuit tester.

[318tifiter]

I am sure it is not just the tail lights coming on because when I turn on the head lights the brake lights come on. The same lights that come on when I hit the brake light when the head lights are off. Strange.

[bluebastion]

Check all your bulbs. Automotive electricals can act up if a bulb is out.

[Variance]

Mine is the same way. I may be wrong, but the ti's tailights are the same as the brake lights. When I replaced one of my burned out bulbs, I noticed that it was dual-filament. One for the daytime brakelights and one for the tailights. When I hit the brakes with my lights on, the only thing that changes in the rear is the hatch brakelight comes on.

[318tifiter]

Well, that is the thing. When my headlights are turned on the center hatch break light comes on as well (with the left and right tail brake lights), as if the brake was being pressed (which it isn't).

[Variance]

Ah, can't help you there. Sorry.

[GDB]

Sounds like someone crossed some wires. Time to get out your circuit tester and get busy.

[318tifiter]

Well, the tifiter is back in the body shop so they can do the job right. I will check the circuits when I get the car back. Thanks everyone.