Interior light problem

[drum2430]

Hey Guys. I hope you can help me with this one.

When I open any of the doors of my '90 535i the interior lights do not come on. I can turn them on manually with each of their switches but only that way. Also when I shut the car off and remove the key they should come on but don't. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance and happy new year to all.

G.

[RIPN RAY]

hmmm i think i'm having the same problem wierd...


actually it's similiar....i think your problem is fuse 21 though

[Javier]

the problem should be in the Relay module. There is one relay responsible for all the automatic operations of interior lights. Also the General Module may be damaged in the relay driving output responsible for this relay operation. The fuse feeding the relay coil is Fuse F30, but if it would ever be blown, you will loose more than interior lights.

If you feel skilled to mess with this modules, this are the module pins to check:

Relay Module:

Relay coil + X258 / 15
Relay coil – X258 / 7
Relay contact X258 / 6-10.

General module driving relay output: X253 / 16

Javier

PS: Also when pulling driver's door handle, lights should turn on.

[drum2430]

hmmm i think i'm having the same problem wierd...


actually it's similiar....i think your problem is fuse 21 though

Thanks Ray. Checked out the fuse but it was OK. Have to keep looking.

[drum2430]

the problem should be in the Relay module. There is one relay responsible for all the automatic operations of interior lights. Also the General Module may be damaged in the relay driving output responsible for this relay operation. The fuse feeding the relay coil is Fuse F30, but if it would ever be blown, you will loose more than interior lights.

If you feel skilled to mess with this modules, this are the module pins to check:

Relay Module:

Relay coil + X258 / 15
Relay coil – X258 / 7
Relay contact X258 / 6-10.

General module driving relay output: X253 / 16

Javier

PS: Also when pulling driver's door handle, lights should turn on.

Thanks for the info Javier. I located and removed the relay module. Popped it apart and examined it to the best of my ability. The switches all function freely, the contacts are all clean and the pins, coils and other components show no signs of any deterioration. Also, the fuses all checked out OK. My electronic abilities are sorely lacking however so anything beyond a visual inspection is also beyond my skill level. It looks like I'll have to pay an expert for this one.

Once again thank you for your info.

G.

[Javier]

you can do in your relay module:

Identify from this picture

http://www.bimmernut.com/~billr/images/rear%20fuses.jpg

the X258 socket to the relay module (One of the connectors at the bottom , were the relay module plugs in). Remove the relay module and identify pins 15 and 7 of the plug in the relay module going to that socket. Connect a 9 Vdc battery so that + terminal go to pin 15 and negative to pin 7. You should hear the relay clicking in (Careful, if your 9 V battery is weak it may not energize the relay, if so just use the 12 V car battery). If relay clicks, check continuity between pins 6 and 10 of the same connector at the relay module (you can connect the + of the same battery to pin 6 and check with a probe that you are receiving 9 Vdc from pin 10 to battery -.

If relay is working fine, the problem is in the General module, which may be more difficult to diagnose.

Javier

[Javier]

Proper plug in relay module is X259 and not X258.

Another simple test you can do is to identify pins 6 and 10 of the X259 socket where the relay module plugs in, and connect them with a tiny copper wire. Lights should go on if switches are in the proper seting and all bulbs and power circuit are OK.

Javier

[drum2430]

Hey Javier

Your willingness to help is great. Thanks so much for your time and effort. I will make an attempt at your suggestions over the next day or so and let you know how I make out.

G.

[Javier]

these bugs are. This is the X259 connector view. It may help.

Javier

[drum2430]

these bugs are. This is the X259 connector view. It may help.

Javier

Hey Javier,

I pulled the relay mod again to do the test and noticed some corrosion that I missed on the first inspection. Cleaned it, sprayed it and BINGO: interior lights worked. Your info is invaluable as is your willingness to help. Thanks again.

Blessings,

G.