Brake lights stuffed

[arcon]

i just noticed tonight 2 of 3 of my brake lights don't work (right and top/mid above the rear seat-shelf). 1996 318is 4-door sedan...

i've had this car for 4 months and its been great except for a few minor electrical issues, and the battery was replaced about a month ago. i have no idea if my brake lights have been faulty the whole time... but surely someone would have noticed...

i think its pretty unlikely that both bulbs are dead.... is it likely to be a switch or wiring issue...? if so anyone know what sort of cost i'm looking at...?

 

[Kirby]

You may be able to fix this yourself. The contacts for the bulbs tend to get corroded/oxidized/dirty. Just cleaning the contacts, or replacing the bulbs usually takes care of it.

For the tail light, open the trunk and look behind the tail light. there is a plastic panel you can remove with a twist of a knob. The bulbs are then located right behind this panel, and they also just twist/pull out. The rear deck light is also accessible directly inside the trunk from underneath the light.

Use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts, and/or replace the bulb.

A shop might charge you up to US$10 - $15 per bulb to do this. The bulbs cost just a few dollars at an auto parts store.

 

[arcon]

i took it to a local auto-electric i use, they replaced with center bulb for 5 bucks the right light bulb had come loose, and the previous owner had jammed some paper in there to fix it :/ it works inermitantly.... so they are going to have a look and quote me for it.

 

[pedroguard]

I had one that wouldn't work on mine. I pulled it off and found that the terminal had a hole burnt in it. A little grinding with a Dremel and some solder. 3 years, no problems.