Brake light Circuit failure indicator.

[Goherdsw]

Hi, Regarding a 1998 328: I'm getting a "brake light circuit failure" message, sometimes. Brake light seem to be working fine but the message is popping up. Any ideas? How much would it cost to fix?
thanks

[wrayman1]

My 1996 does the same. My dealer says its due to poor brake pads.
Mine are worn but have not replaced yet to see if it rids the circuit message.

[Goherdsw]

Thanks wrayman1, that may be the case...my brake pads are low.

[Pradeep_badiger]

hi,

Replace the brake light switch and check.

[beemer5]

it is the brake light switch on the brake peddel.. it is not sending the signal to the computer that your lights are working... it has nothing to do with your pads... it will not have any effect on the stopping of the car... if you replace it your self it is about $46

[Dudesky_E36]

Originally Posted by beemer5

it is the brake light switch on the brake peddel.. it is not sending the signal to the computer that your lights are working... it has nothing to do with your pads... it will not have any effect on the stopping of the car... if you replace it your self it is about $46

Beemer5 speaks the truth, although the switch will cost you half that price if you buy it online. Try PelicanParts.Com

To clarify, if the OBC reads "brake light circuit failure", you have a bad switch. If it reads "brake light failure", then you have a bulb burned out. Neither has anything to do with the actual brakes themselves. If there is something wrong with your brakes, then the brake warning indicator on your instrument cluster will light up.