'05 MC - Top brake light will not turn off. With the ignition off, key out, and lights turned off - it just stays lit. I thought perhaps it was the brakelight switch on the pedal but if that is the case, I am assuming that the other brake lights would be on as well. I have pulled most of the fuses and can't seem to find the one that controls this light. The only way to get it to turn off is to disconnect the battery, but when it is reconnected, the light turns back on. It's been 4 days now and so far it hasn't been an issue in terms of my battery wearing down but I don't want to let it go and tempt fate.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

Strange...that just happened to me about a week ago on my 05 MCS. I went outside to wash the car and thought it was just the sun hitting it at first. Then I looked again and realized it was on.

I got my husband to stand behind the car and see if the light went off while I tried everything I could think of . I am not sure what I did to make it go off - I switched the lights on and off, turned on the blinkers, hit the brakes, turned the car on and off. The light finally turned off. I haven't noticed it happen again. I have been trying to keep an eye on it though.

I wonder if it is just us or if any others have had the same problem. I did notice we both have an 05.

 

Do you have a Dension IceLink+ installed? That managed to cause some electrical problems, including brake lights not turning off, when it failed on me a few weeks back.

It seems something like this would certainly be covered under the warranty - have you contacted a dealer yet?

 

Never had any tail light probs but my head lights (I have an '05) have turned themselves on a few times (I checked & the stick was in the off position yet my lights were on ). I just chalked it up to ghost in the machine but it hasn't happened in about a year so I guess I exercised my demons

 

hmmm, I did have the Ice link installed about a year ago, but only had it in for about 3 days because I didn't like the way it worked. i will check the wiring where i had it installed.

 

If you removed the IceLink a year ago and you're having problems only now, it's not likely to be the cause, but it's worth a check if you've exhausted all your other options.

In the meantime, why not contact a dealer? They may know the answer off-hand without you having to bring your MINI in.

 

No Icelink on mine. I planned to call the dealer if it happened again or if I noticed a trend with others having the problem. Maybe mine was just a fluke or a switch getting stuck.

 

Most likely a defective BC1 module, since it is responsible for turning on the brake lights depending on the brake pedal switch position. The BC1 controls every exterior light except for the reverse light(s) and accessory driving lights.

 

That's the problem, you didn't put it in reverse and hit the throttle fast enough...

"Just stand there watching it for a little longer, honey..."

That would fix the break light once and for all, guaranteed.



(I think it's the BC1 unit too, btw, perhaps moisture or a connection problem.)

Best,

-- Don

 

Thanks to all for all the great feedback!

Where do i find this BC1 unit??

 

The BC1 is behind the right-side kickpanel in the footwell under the dash.

 

Just noticed the brake light stays on on my 06 MCS with 8000 miles.

Co worker watched from behind while I did all the usual, fiddled with the brake peddle, turned the lights on/off.

Finally restarted the car and it went right off.

Does this thing have Lucas electrics?

 

Hehe, reminds me of a joke, back when I really wanted to buy an old Little British Car.

Q: Why do the English drink warm beer?



A: Because their fridges are all made with Lucas Electrics!

Medic

 

That's what it was for my friends car.

 

also check for water on the pass. front area. the a/c drain is in the center console and sometimes it leaks inside the car if it has a damaged hose. this will get water on the wiring that goes to the bc1 and keeps the 3rd. brake light on.

good luck!