"Left Tail Light Malfunction" Message, But All Lights Work...

Skyline2.0 · 08-04-2019, 08:02 PM

A "Left Tail Light Malfunction" message just popped up on my dash today. I'm at about 20,500 miles. I parked, came out 30 mins later, started car and I see this message. No error code when I parked initially.

I go home and check all lights - they're working properly. Hazards flash as intended. Turn signals work, too. The tail light appears to be working fine, but I have this error message...

There's a small chance it may be related to the tail light recall (excessive lubricant on lock threads), but doesn't make sense. Maybe a possible faulty relay or bad connection somewhere between the bulbs and ECU?

I didn't scan the code yet, but I'm curious if anyone has had a similar issue before.

bmw2x · 07-27-2023, 04:14 PM

Hi Skyline, how did you fix this? I have the same problem, but with the right tail light (and over 100k miles). Checked the connectors and traces inside - all good. All lights function fine including the LEDs on the side. Hooked up BimmerLink, but did not see any relevant error codes.

I need to do the yearly inspection by the end of the month and not sure if they will turn me down.

Cat74 · 07-27-2023, 04:50 PM

I've had this error a few months ago even though all the bulbs were working. Checked the forum and I understood that this happens when the bulb is close to die and the system already knows that the bulb is going to reach its end soon. In my case it took some time, but eventually the bulb was burnt. Changed it and the error was gone.

bmw2x · 07-27-2023, 09:42 PM

That's interesting. I will give it a try. Thanks Cat74!

Skyline2.0 · 07-28-2023, 12:57 AM

I honestly forgot how it was resolved, been too long ago. I may have done the same thing as Cat74 - changed the bulb. I haven't had this issue in years.

bmw2x · 07-29-2023, 11:31 AM

Replacing the 21W bulb with a new Sylvania 7506 did not help. My problem was that I was focused on the main tail light. Finally opened the inner (trunk door) light and found the miniature 5W bulb was burned out. Replaced with Sylvania 194. Much easier to open and replace too. It's hard to notice the burned out 5W bulb because there is another 21W bulb in the same housing.

On my car (2016 X1) the 21W bulbs serve double duty as running lights (5V AC @100Hz) and stop lights (12V DC).

08-04-2019, 08:02 PM	#1
Skyline2.0 First Lieutenant 137 Rep 310 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X1 xDrive Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	"Left Tail Light Malfunction" Message, But All Lights Work... A "Left Tail Light Malfunction" message just popped up on my dash today. I'm at about 20,500 miles. I parked, came out 30 mins later, started car and I see this message. No error code when I parked initially. I go home and check all lights - they're working properly. Hazards flash as intended. Turn signals work, too. The tail light appears to be working fine, but I have this error message... There's a small chance it may be related to the tail light recall (excessive lubricant on lock threads), but doesn't make sense. Maybe a possible faulty relay or bad connection somewhere between the bulbs and ECU? I didn't scan the code yet, but I'm curious if anyone has had a similar issue before.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-27-2023, 04:14 PM	#2
bmw2x New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW X1 (F48) Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Hi Skyline, how did you fix this? I have the same problem, but with the right tail light (and over 100k miles). Checked the connectors and traces inside - all good. All lights function fine including the LEDs on the side. Hooked up BimmerLink, but did not see any relevant error codes. I need to do the yearly inspection by the end of the month and not sure if they will turn me down.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-27-2023, 04:50 PM	#3
Cat74 New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW x1, sdrive LHD Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've had this error a few months ago even though all the bulbs were working. Checked the forum and I understood that this happens when the bulb is close to die and the system already knows that the bulb is going to reach its end soon. In my case it took some time, but eventually the bulb was burnt. Changed it and the error was gone.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-27-2023, 09:42 PM	#4
bmw2x New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW X1 (F48) Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	That's interesting. I will give it a try. Thanks Cat74!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-28-2023, 12:57 AM	#5
Skyline2.0 First Lieutenant 137 Rep 310 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X1 xDrive Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I honestly forgot how it was resolved, been too long ago. I may have done the same thing as Cat74 - changed the bulb. I haven't had this issue in years.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-29-2023, 11:31 AM	#6
bmw2x New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW X1 (F48) Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Replacing the 21W bulb with a new Sylvania 7506 did not help. My problem was that I was focused on the main tail light. Finally opened the inner (trunk door) light and found the miniature 5W bulb was burned out. Replaced with Sylvania 194. Much easier to open and replace too. It's hard to notice the burned out 5W bulb because there is another 21W bulb in the same housing. On my car (2016 X1) the 21W bulbs serve double duty as running lights (5V AC @100Hz) and stop lights (12V DC).
	Appreciate 0 Quote