Indicator stays on with ignition off

[Stan_sb]

Dear members,

This is my first question to the forum, I promise that I’ll introduce myself in the right section when i figure out how to post photos.

The problem I ran into is simple but complex. I have a facelift model with two indicator bulbs per headlight unit. I noticed one of which wasn’t working because there was no bulb installed, so I replaced it. The weird thing was, when i installed the light it immediately lit up (not flashing), with the ignition off. That explains why the previous owner didn’t have a bulb in there…

I tried leaving it in for a while, disconnecting the battery, turning the car off and on again etc. All other lights work properly (I read about a voltage monitoring function / warning light)

Please help, is this a ground issue? Software issue? Anyone had this before?

Thanks!

 

[Scooba_Steve]

the light it immediately lit up (not flashing)

This can indicate a bulb issue on that side, usually sidelight. But it could also be an earthing fault.

Is there a bulb out error on the dash with the indicator fitted?

 

[Stan_sb]

[edit] Thanks for your reply! I have no errors on the dash and i believe I have no issues with the sidemarker indicators.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

[edit] Thanks for your reply! I have no errors on the dash and i believe I have no issues with the sidemarker indicators.

OK this might be a pain to troubleshoot. Lights are controlled by the LCM (LCZ) behind and integrated with the headlight switch. That could be faulty but you'll have to test/rule out other things first. Earthing check would be a good start.

It is possible to code out the check control (i.e. bulb out warning) which could have been done to hide the error. A quick test to see if it has been disabled for all bulbs would be to remove a rear bulb, e.g. brake light/indicator.
Then I think to take out the front sidelight bulbs, visually inspect them (are they LEDs?) and swap them over. Or try some new/known working ones.
Then check and swap the indicator bulbs.

 

[Stan_sb]

Thanks for the elaborate reply. Your bulb out warning is great advise, thank! I’ll see if that works and whether my (very busy) friend with coding gear can check the bulb warning code.

I read about this issue if you want to run LEDs but it’s not the case for me. I checked whether other bulbs were LEDs too. I called a BMW dealership with this issue and they advised to just leave it on for an hour (??).

Thanks for your time members

 

[Stan_sb]

I just checked the bulb out warning by removing one of the brake lights and it did light up in the dash. Furthermore, I’ve attached an image of the situation. Keep in mind, the ignition is off in this pic :headbang: .

 

[enuff_zed]

Fitted cheapo led sidelights to wifey’s car and although it showed no bulb out indications on the dash it did light up the outer front indicator bulbs. Put the original sidelight bulbs back in and everything returned to normal

 

[Stan_sb]

Fitted cheapo led sidelights to wifey’s car and although it showed no bulb out indications on the dash it did light up the outer front indicator bulbs. Put the original sidelight bulbs back in and everything returned to normal

Interesting, was it like the situation in my pic? I’ll consider checking all my bulbs.

 

[enuff_zed]

Fitted cheapo led sidelights to wifey’s car and although it showed no bulb out indications on the dash it did light up the outer front indicator bulbs. Put the original sidelight bulbs back in and everything returned to normal

Interesting, was it like the situation in my pic? I’ll consider checking all my bulbs.

No actually. Outer bulbs were lit. But I have had other occasions where failed front sidelight bulbs haven’t triggered a warning

 

[Scooba_Steve]

ignition is off in this pic

That's the bit that makes me worry it is more of an issue, like LCZ or earth. So I think next step is to swap sidelights and indicator bulbs with the other side ones. One at a time though, only change one variable at a time.

 

[Stan_sb]

[ref]Scooba_Steve[/ref], I’ll try this today and I’ll keep you updated! Cheers.

 

[Stan_sb]

Update: nothing seems to work.

Stan

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Update: nothing seems to work.

Stan

Can you be more specific?

 

[Stan_sb]

[/quote]
Can you be more specific?
[/quote]

I checked all the bulbs, tried to check earth but saw nothing out of the ordinary, tried switching around bulbs and finally i tried just leaving it in for an hour or so.

Thanks for the assistance everyone,
Stan