New, from Mexico, and need HELP with a brake light issue

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by AldousBasel, Dec 5, 2012.

  1. cooperSml

    cooperSml New Member

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    In modern cars electrical problems you need to start diagnosing the problem, and start to eliminating a possible culprits. Unfortunately the electrical components are hidden and most of cases with difficult access. Probably dealers may have tools that interfaces with control boards to simulate sensors and turn on/off. But like most of us we have available a multi meter and if lucky the electrical diagram that gives some guidance.

    Just identifying parts, dissambling them with the risk of break to just get to the part you/we think is a problem is not one easy job.

    One example in the lack of experience is Bentley manual shows where BC1 is located but doesnt give you detail how to get there. Them we rely in somebody with experience that this job already, on this case we luck because FES auto that has a document show the parts and steps to remove the footwell.

    Like similar situations there is not one exact answer, but possible causes that needs to be tested, checked and eliminated.
     
  2. AldousBasel

    AldousBasel New Member

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    thank a lot everyone!!! sunday i'll work on it
     
  3. AldousBasel

    AldousBasel New Member

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    I've found the BCM, but it seems dry, its safe to unplug it?
     
  4. cooperSml

    cooperSml New Member

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    Make sure you disconnect the battery first. Check connector for corrosion and oxidation.
    If not a visual problem, then like somebody indicated before try to identify the diode and test it with a multi meter. Honestly I was looking to electrical diagrams on what is public I didnt see any diode, but looks like somebody has gone more deep into that and bumped into a faulty one. As was mentioned before you need to look for it.
     
  5. AldousBasel

    AldousBasel New Member

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    hello all, as i told you, yesterday i've worked in my MINI, i found de BC1 completely dry, and after reconnecting all, my brake lights are still on all time while the key is in :mad2:
    so, i wonder if there is something like a reset to do to the BC1 or i'll have to go to the only dealer we have here which aftermarket service is very very bad
     
  6. cooperSml

    cooperSml New Member

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    I am not sure if notice the tail light and brake light are two different filaments in the same light. The wider filament is the tail light and smaller one is the brake light. At night you can see fairly easy.

    When you turn the key at position ignition on and you dont need to start the car

    What filament is on in the rear light?

    When you step on brakes does the light gets bright? You should see the smaller filament brights up.
    Now when you turn you lights on both filaments are on in the rear light?
     
  7. cooperSml

    cooperSml New Member

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    If your answers are: (ignition on position on)
    The smaller filament is on in the rear light
    The smaller filament doesnt dim and stay with max light
    When turn lights on both filaments are on in the rear light

    Then try this:
    turn key ignition off
    unplug the connector on brake pedal switch
    Turn key ignition on

    If the brake light is off this time, I will suspect off wrong switch or problem in the connector
     
  8. AldousBasel

    AldousBasel New Member

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    yes, i know ther are tali ligths and brake lights in the rear, but i'm sure are brake lights because the third light is on too, i've made that you mentioned, to disconnect the pedal switch, but with the pedal switch connected or disconnected, the lights still ON!!! i mean, whith the key in ON position, brake ligths are on either with or without the pedal switch
     
  9. papa-j

    papa-j Active Member
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    Did you consider the diode? If it fails "open", you get the symptoms you describe. At least that is what I see in many posts on 04-05 with "brake light always on failures".

    I realize it looks like a crappy difficult tedious detailed job to go deeper into the car and to possibly undo some wire loom wrapping.

    But, if you don't trust your aftermarket dealer you have limited options. Maybe find a trusted mechanic (doesn't have to be a MINI specialist) or a friend who can do details well.

    Good luck.
     
  10. cooperSml

    cooperSml New Member

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    I agree with papa-j because is a tedious job and you need to go testing parts sensors, components to be eliminating them. The hardest part of the electrical components in the diagram it is simple easy to see but when installed in the car is a different story. It is not the same thing as the shock, brake pad, the spring, they are right there in front of you. Like I said before I don't know about the diode, but people has dig in before and I found a faulty one it may worth try to find before hand your car to somebody you don't trust.

    But if you brake lights are no dimming it can be dangerous too.
     

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