My passenger taillight is driving me UP THE F'ING WALL !!

[Simon S]

Trying to repair frustrating brake light issue. Taillight and reverse light will only operate after I ‘bump’ it. After I ‘bump’ it – they work fine. Happens every time lights are turned on.

I’ve cleaned terminals – and it’s obviously getting power. Appears to be ground-related since both taillight and reverse light are effected (?). Driving me crazy though since the ‘bump’ is required.

(no luck with “bump light” search)
Any help or tips appreciated.

Video:

[FCBmw]

make sure you use the osram bulbs made in Europe. I think they have a better fit vs cheapo American bulbs. Probably not the best contact.

[White325is]

I find when that happens, the little rod that the bulb grounds on isnt tight enough against the bulb. So what I do is bend it up so it puts more pressure on the bulb and it usually fixes it.

[Simon S]

I find when that happens, the little rod that the bulb grounds on isnt tight enough against the bulb. So what I do is bend it up so it puts more pressure on the bulb and it usually fixes it.

Cool - I'll tinker down that road.

The effing thing looks so simple - I can't so how it could fail.

What you say makes sense - as far as why/what would cause that syptom to happen. Thanks man.

[Simon S]

make sure you use the osram bulbs made in Europe. I think they have a better fit vs cheapo American bulbs. Probably not the best contact.

I'll be a son of a bitch !!
Must have spent 2 hours fiddle-fuckin' around cleaning different contact points.
Finally swapped in a OE bulb I had - and it works like it should now.

man - sometimes the simplest things..

[TurboJake]

It's always something simple.
ALWAYS
(The process itself is something that isn't always simple)