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I have a 1998 BMW 540i. I replaced the right fog light and the left rear brake light. Within a day, the instrument panel lights are not working, the headlight fails to the on position (I cannot turn the headlights on or off, they automatically go on when the engine is turned over) the turn signals and hazard lights won't work, the temperature readout is at -40F, and no trouble codes pop up on the computer (I needed to replace the brake pads on the front and this is not showing). However, the trip portion of the computer still works,along with the time, date and all other items.

Submitted: 348 days and 7 hours ago.

Category: BMW

Value: $20

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

1998 BMW 540i

Already Tried:
I took the vehicle to my mechanic. All fuses are good, there are no obvious shorts and he hooked it up to a diagnostic computer. No error codes were shown.

Accepted Answer

I have a few questions about your vehicle . Is the brake pad wear sensor completly cut ?

Expert:	long time tech
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:	221
Answered:	11/26/2008

BMW Technician

12 YEAR MASTER TECH

348 days and 6 hours ago.

Reply

I believe so. I have purchased a new brake pad wear sensor and will have it installed along with the new brake pads as soon as I clear up the current problem.

Posted by long time tech 347 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

I think you may have a problem with the lamp module . This is the only thing that i a common component with all of your issues . The problem you are having with the temp is most likely a damaged exterior temp sensor and wires , very common problem . Try to disconnect the brake pad wear sensor and see if you get a message for the brake pads .

345 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

So, I replace the module and I regain control of my lights and turn signals? Thanks!! my mechanic (obviously not a BMW expert) had no idea what the problem was.

Posted by long time tech 344 days and 15 hours ago.

Answer

Good luck and let me know how it works out for you .

342 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks!

Posted by long time tech 342 days and 9 hours ago.

Answer

Glad I could help .

321 days and 21 hours ago.

Reply

The actual problem was a short in the instrument cluster. The new cluster is a $700 fix, but the BMW technician reset the cluster and it is functioning perfectly.

Posted by long time tech 321 days and 8 hours ago.

Answer

Glad it got fixed .

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Optional Information

1998 BMW 540i Already Tried: I took the vehicle to my mechanic. All fuses are good, there are no obvious shorts and he hooked it up to a diagnostic computer. No error codes were shown.

Accepted Answer

I have a few questions about your vehicle . Is the brake pad wear sensor completly cut ?

Reply

I believe so. I have purchased a new brake pad wear sensor and will have it installed along with the new brake pads as soon as I clear up the current problem.

Answer

Reply

So, I replace the module and I regain control of my lights and turn signals? Thanks!! my mechanic (obviously not a BMW expert) had no idea what the problem was.

Answer

Good luck and let me know how it works out for you .

Reply

Thanks!

Answer

Glad I could help .

Reply

The actual problem was a short in the instrument cluster. The new cluster is a $700 fix, but the BMW technician reset the cluster and it is functioning perfectly.

Answer

Glad it got fixed .

Related BMW Questions

1998 BMW 540i

Already Tried:
I took the vehicle to my mechanic. All fuses are good, there are no obvious shorts and he hooked it up to a diagnostic computer. No error codes were shown.