1994 BMW 318 Short in lights on passenger side.

1994 BMW 318
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NEWNESS3025
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Electrical problem
1994 BMW 318 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 300k miles

I have a short somewhere that affects my dash lights and passenger side lights in a weird way. My instrument lights and dash lights do not work even though the instrument panel does work. My passenger side lights don't come on when I turn on my headlights. My drivers side lights do come on, however, the brake lights doesn't work on either side at night or in the day. I have replaced all the bulbs and am stumped at what the problem could be. Please help me guys.

I bought the car two weeks ago. The lights were on when I test drove the car from the private owner. After I bought it that's when the lights acted up. I called the owner and he said that if I "played with the brake light switch it would come back on. I have no idea how to get to the brake light switch though.
Aug 25, 2010 at 7:57 PM
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DOCHAGERTY
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When did this start? What event happened to make this be a problem?
Aug 26, 2010 at 2:41 AM
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NEWNESS3025
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[quote:6aa702563e="newness3025"]Electrical problem
1994 BMW 318 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 300k miles

I have a short somewhere that affects my dash lights and passenger side lights in a weird way. My instrument lights and dash lights do not work even though the instrument panel does work. My passenger side lights don't come on when I turn on my headlights. My drivers side lights do come on, however, the brake lights doesn't work on either side at night or in the day. I have replaced all the bulbs and am stumped at what the problem could be. Please help me guys.

I bought the car two weeks ago. The lights were on when I test drove the car from the private owner. After I bought it that's when the lights acted up. I called the owner and he said that if I "played with the brake light switch it would come back on. I have no idea how to get to the brake light switch though.[/quote:6aa702563e]
Aug 26, 2010 at 4:06 AM
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DOCHAGERTY
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 9,606 POSTS
In the underdash area in the drivers foot well. The seller might be able to actually show you what is going on too
Aug 26, 2010 at 12:24 PM
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