Troubleshooting Brake Light Bulb that Works Again After Being Removed and Reinstalled  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I am not sure if you are referring to the brake light on your 2011 BMW X3 or one on the trailer you might be towing but in either case since the problem goes away after you remove and re-insert the bulb it sounds like there may be either a loose wiring connection or potentially a corrosion issue within the bulb socket.

Sometimes just handling the wiring/socket/bulb on a troublesome light will move it enough to reestablish the power input when the wire is loose. By the same token, removing the bulb and re-installing it could correct a problem with mild corrosion since the friction from removing the bulb will tend to clean off any corrosive build-up on the contact surfaces.

If you cannot detect any loose wiring, such as a weak grounding wire or grounding stud connection, or a bulb contact that might be bent, you might try a spray contact cleaner/enhances like Caig De-Oxit. Such contact cleaners will dissolve any build up on the contacts that might interfere with signal transmission and they also condition those surfaces to give them a more consistent surface for better conduction.

A dielectric grease product like # 11755 that you referenced is a great way to protect your clean electrical contacts. Although the grease itself is not conductive, it does block entry of water, dirt and other contaminants and so helps to preserve a clean connection in bulb sockets, trailer connectors, etc.

expert reply by: Adam R

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