so problem/symptoms are:

- it doesn't matter where the headlight switch it set the headlights stay on as long as the ignition is on/car is on and won't turn off.
- high beams wont work.
- Turnsignals don't turn on when signalling or locking/unlocking.
- license plate lights dont turn on
- dash lights don't work (speedo, tach, signals, highbeam,) backlighting on the center console does not work (but the lighting behind the A/C controls does, buttons when pressed, etc)
- brake light stays lit even though I just changed all the brake pads (could be related or not)


So Its like the "parking" setting on the headlight switch doesn't work to turn on the associated outside bulbs and the interior bulbs. My headlight switch IS stripped (I can essentially keep rotating it around the clock as the little plastic catch pieces inside seem to have broke off).

I've ordered a new headlight switch...anything else you think this could be? The brake light has me somewhat worried/confused. 2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5

any ideas fellas? 2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5

Guess we need to wait for the new lightswitch for the majority of your issues, they are all related in some way ?

Brake pad light - did you change the pad sensors as well ? These may take a couple of drives to reset the fault, or you can clear it with diagnostic tool. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Yea I'm hoping the new HL switch fixes it but if not its going to be a guessing game....I
m admittedly horrible with wiring/electrics.

I didn't change out the sensors as the front actually had some life left...it didn't get down to the sensor. I heard you can test to see if its a pad sensor by using a paperclip on the sensor part going back to the car...basically put each end of paperclip into each hole to make a "loop". If the sensor is bas this will trick the system into thinking the sensor is ok.

I thought the dash will just say "check brake pads"..the red BRAKE has nothing to do with the pads? The red BRAKE on the dash has been there for I'd say over 1k miles since I replaced the front pads. Rears were replaced about 3k miles before that (however irrelevant as the red BRAKE didn't light up for those)


I'm more worried about the lighting issue as I know my brakes are on new pads. 2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5

Hmmm... so it isn't the brake pad warning, it is the big nasty red one.

Get new switch fitted, then we will see where we are.

Do you have a suitable diagnostics box ? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

yep the all caps red "brake" in the bottom right on the dash lol.

Switch should be here today...hopefully get it fitted today or this weekend.

just found a vid from powerfuluk on how to remove it...should just take 5-10 mins

I don't have any diagnostic tools....just an iCarly for the BMW that does a pretty nice job at reading codes. I believe I could go to Auto Zone and use their ODBCII scan tool 2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5

Just replaced the headlight switch with the new/used one I got from eBay. Same exact behavior >

Guess next thing is to see if a fuse or relay handles all these things?? 2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5

headlights fixed.....apparently disconnecting the battery for 30min took care of it.

red BRAKE still an issue. I replaced the front brake pad sensor with a new Duralast one from Autozone.....no dice. I guess only other thing is to try replacing the rear brake pad sensor...I heard it's a little harder to get to vs the front.


Any other ideas on this brake light situation? My breaks do squeal a bit when coming to a stop which is annoying since I just changed the pads all around 2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5

Got her situated. Took a look at the rear pad sensor and a portion of the plastic piece that clips into the caliper/pad broke off and it wore it down to the wire which had made contact and caused the BRAKE light to be set (and "check brake pads"). replaced sensor and all errors went away  2014 FF Autobiography 5.0 SC
2008 FFRR (sold)
2008 BMW M5