one of my tail lights goes out in my 325 some times but if i take it out and put it back in its fine?

Question

i have to do this like once a month... i know its not a big deal but it would be great if there was a long term solution

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure this is a case of bad contact.

Here's what I would do:

1. Turn on your tail lights.

2. Try to remove the tail light assembly keeping the cable plug intact.

3. Replicate the fault:

3a. Twist the unlit bulb around to confirm that the bad contact is at the bulb (bulb should come on).

3b. If twisting the bulb doesn't make the bulb come on, with the bulb intact, wiggle the cable plug; unplug and replug the cable plug (the bulb should come on now).

4. Depending on the result of step 3, you would now know where the bad contact is.

5. If it's the bulb, examine the contacts on the bulb as well as in the bulb holder. If its the plug, examine the pins/socket.

6. If the bulb holder contacts, pins or sockets has mild corrosion, treat with contact cleaner, try to scrape of most of the corrosion with a small sharp tool. If it's on the bulb, just head to Walmart and buy a new one.

7. In severe cases of bad contact with the bulb (at the bulb holder), sparking can cause the contact to melt/deform, worsening the situation. In that case, you'll either need to repair that contact or change out the part.

Answer 2

I've had this problem too and it turned out to be some corrosion that created a little gap or notch in the plate where the bulb screws into. Not a cheap fix to replace the entire housing which support most if not all of the bulbs so I got thinking...
What's a cheap conductor of electricity?
Aluminum Foil was the first answer. I cut a small piece of foil and carefully folded it over the gap then carefully inserted the bulb and snapped it into place and it's work for 6 years. Every now and then (like once every 2 years) I have to reset the foil or maybe even put in new foil, but it's a small price to pay.
Hope this helps!

Answer 3

If you look at the bulbs that you have installed in your taillights, you can sometimes see a bit of corosion or a dull solder point beside the center contact. A tiny touch of electrical contact spray will often extend the service time of your taillamps. Since the taillights stay on all the time and run hotter when the headlights are on, this problem is not seen so often with the brake lights. You can also change the taillight bulbs around, or replace them. Also a touch of contact spray on the bulb sockets and/or ground paths around your taillights will help to keep the lamp voltage higher and brighter.

Answer 4

if e36 follow what phillip says. if e46 check the ground wire (brown wire) for being burnt. if so repair or replace any burnt wires and provide a second ground.

Answer 5

My guess is that the connector (that the bulb goes into) is bad. Have it replaced.

Answer 6

Take it to a mechanic, you probably have a short somewhere

Answer 7

wooo! been there, fixed that, made a write-up...

This is more than likely your problem...

ENJOY!

http://www.dtmpower.net/forum/e36-3-series/150593-e36-brake-light-failure-cause-corrosion-diy-fix.html

Answer 8

Your B/F could fix this