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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
My 2004 MCS is suffering from a random tail lamp failure. All my bulbs are working when I check them, please bear that in mind, but I've been pulled over by another motorist on two separate occasions in the past few months, telling me that I have absolutely no tail lamps lit, whether turning, braking or just driving along.
When I have checked them, they're all working. So it seems that this is randomly occurring. I'm not sure if it happens after a period of time, and possibly because the bulbs are heating up to a point where something cuts off?
I'm using the MINI clear tail lamp housings, (shown with ignition turned off above), and to get rid of the dreaded "fried egg" look inside the lights, I changed to the silver mirror-coated bulbs (which are OEM parts, mind you).
I have had this set up going smoothly for probably 10 years now, until this recent problem.
Again, the bulbs all work when I check them out last night, but maybe it's the bulbs somehow? Maybe the mirror coating makes them hold heat longer, and somehow causes a "safety shutdown" or something? I'm obviously not an electrician, so looking for your expertise, guys.
They are NOT LED bulbs, by the way. They're OEM replacement bulbs:
OK, Syracuse the "Salt City" so the question is whether the car has been driven during the winter, the type of weather when the roads are white not from snow but dried on salt.
I would check the wiring harness to see if any wires are broken inside. Would think a bare wire would cause a blown fuse. Could be a ground issue as well, would need to determine what ground point the light circuit is run to.
My money would be on a faulty wire. Not sure where the power splits, but I'd be looking up wiring harnesses and checking the power/ground before it splits to left/right lights.
My 2004 MCS is suffering from a random tail lamp failure. All my bulbs are working when I check them, please bear that in mind, but I've been pulled over by another motorist on two separate occasions in the past few months, telling me that I have absolutely no tail lamps lit, whether turning, braking or just driving along.
When I have checked them, they're all working. So it seems that this is randomly occurring. I'm not sure if it happens after a period of time, and possibly because the bulbs are heating up to a point where something cuts off?
I'm using the MINI clear tail lamp housings, (shown with ignition turned off above), and to get rid of the dreaded "fried egg" look inside the lights, I changed to the silver mirror-coated bulbs (which are OEM parts, mind you).
I have had this set up going smoothly for probably 10 years now, until this recent problem.
Again, the bulbs all work when I check them out last night, but maybe it's the bulbs somehow? Maybe the mirror coating makes them hold heat longer, and somehow causes a "safety shutdown" or something? I'm obviously not an electrician, so looking for your expertise, guys.
They are NOT LED bulbs, by the way. They're OEM replacement bulbs:
Let me know if you have seen this strange phenomenon at all before, and what I might do to remedy this situation.
Thanks, guys!
-Jonnieoh
If it truly affects ALL the rear lights, then I think you're looking for a single point of failure, since there are multiple circuits involved.
I'd suspect there's a multi-pin connector somewhere that is loose or corroded or perhaps heating up & losing connectivity. My Haynes manual doesn't show connectors.
Otherwise, it's the Lighting or Body Control Module $$$.
If it happens again, see if any of the front lights are affected.
If it truly affects ALL the rear lights, then I think you're looking for a single point of failure, since there are multiple circuits involved.
I'd suspect there's a multi-pin connector somewhere that is loose or corroded or perhaps heating up & losing connectivity. My Haynes manual doesn't show connectors.
Otherwise, it's the Lighting or Body Control Module $$$.
If it happens again, see if any of the front lights are affected.
I concur the significance is to look for a single point of failure. As such it is unlikely at a connector which has many isolated contacts except the ground. Do check the ground point for the tail lights. I think it is behind the passenger side access door for the tail lights. More likely is the BCM damage from water intrusion if you have a rainroof.
Oh geez, you guys have some good suggestions, but you're worrying me if it's that expensive Body Control Module... I do have a "rainroof", as you so eloquently put it. And if memory serves, I've already replaced one of those <<gulp>>
Since you've confined the lamps do work, I would be inclined to pull the plastic panels and employ the wiggle test. Turn the lights on and wiggle the harness little by little a few inches at a time until they cut out. Then investigate.
I would check those connects in the trunk first. For both sides to not work is weird and could be a BCM issue https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rd-issues.html if it got wet. I have not seen anything weird with the oem clear taillights other then they can burn out one by one, and its a full panel replacement as they are soldered in.
Syracuse one of the few areas where you can still get a good haircut. Shopping Town still have Mario and the gang?
I'm located on the west side, in Camillus, actually. So I very rarely get over Shoppingtown way, (although I did an SCCA autocross in the back parking lot of that mall in my MINI once; great fun!).
Shoppingtown is a shell of its' former self. The Carousel Center Mall expanded about 8 years ago by A LOT; now called "Destiny USA", a terrible name for a mall. But it's making the other malls around the area die.
