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Number plate light problem - Help needed

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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j2d
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Number plate light problem - Help needed

Post by j2d » Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:19 pm

Had the computer flash up to say check number plate light, one was out so I changed for a new bulb, still not working, switched it for the one that was working and still nothing.

I have now taken the numberplate unit off and tested it, its not getting power, must be a fault/break in the solder/cable somewhere, (was preety damp inside so may have corroded) but as its been sealed I cant get to the circuit board running through it.

The only thing I can think to do is to run a cable off the side that is working by soldering it, but

how would I need to connect it?
Would I still get the computer flagging up a fault? - If so, how could I do it so it doesnt?

Thanks in advance

John

Horizon
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Re: Number plate light problem - Help needed

Post by Horizon » Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:33 pm

Sorry, I posted the wrong link, I will have another look on ebay
Last edited by Horizon on Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2011 Kia Sorento KX3  2.2D 60 Plate Auto in black ( mine )
BMW E83 X3.  3.0d M Sport, 2008 in black ( now gone )
BMW E93 330i Convertible  Msport  2007.  ( Now sold )
VW Golf 2.0 TDI 140 GT 2010 ( now sold )
Now Sold 55 plate, X5, 3.0 D Sport. Silv

Johnny chimpo
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Re: Number plate light problem - Help needed

Post by Johnny chimpo » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:49 pm

I had the same fault about a year ago. The circuit board was corroded on one side and the trac was damaged so only one bulb worked.

I fixed it by feeding a wire inside from the side that worked to the other side and soldering both ends..... This was an absolute nightmare to run and i was almost at the point of giving up when I finally managed to get it through and soldered on.

The computer will still flag up a fault, mine still does. I've always planned to hook up my bmw scanner and see if its possible to switch of the number plate bulb check, but never got round to it. Hopefully there is an option for it on the bmw scanner if not the only solution would be to replace the whole part.
Last edited by Johnny chimpo on Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Current Fleet:

2005 X5 3.0d Sport......... Now Sold!
2011 Passat Bluemotion
2009 MNR Vortx.... 12k screamer!!!
2012 C220 AMG Sport

j2d
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Re: Number plate light problem - Help needed

Post by j2d » Sun Jan 06, 2013 9:56 am

[quote="Johnny chimpo"]
I had the same fault about a year ago. The circuit board was corroded on one side and the trac was damaged so only one bulb worked.

I fixed it by feeding a wire inside from the side that worked to the other side and soldering both ends..... This was an absolute nightmare to run and i was almost at the point of giving up when I finally managed to get it through and soldered on.

The computer will still flag up a fault, mine still does. I've always planned to hook up my bmw scanner and see if its possible to switch of the number plate bulb check, but never got round to it. Hopefully there is an option for it on the bmw scanner if not the only solution would be to replace the whole part.
[/quote]

Thanks mate,

This is exactly what I did last night,  but i'll have to come back to it as I cant handle that msg coming up every time.

Let me know how you get on

John

JAMMA
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Re: Number plate light problem - Help needed

Post by JAMMA » Wed Jan 09, 2013 1:46 am

Yes the BMW scanner software can switch off the bulb check light. Mine used to flash the warning but both bulbs were working fine so I just switched the check light off.

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