bad earth on rear lights?

[chris62]

hi all, i have a problem with my rear lights, left reverse is not working when in reverse, left indicator not working when in reverse, but when indicating left when not in reverse, left reverse, left indicator and right reverse all flash together but very dim, i have replaced bulbs and checked all the earth connections that i could find but cant find the fault, anybody had similar or know where to look next.

[Guest]

Hi Chris and Welcome to the Club,

Check out page 81 in the attached for wiring diagram of the rear lights which may help to trace your problem.

I would suggest also that you remove and check the plate on which all the wiring and bulbs are mounted inside the tail light. Its possible that corrosion and/or moisture contamination is the root of the problem. If everything seems to be fine there I would then be looking for pinched wires or damaged wires around the entry to the tail light assembly.

Thats about as far as I would get on my own but other members may be able to provide better advice and guidance.

Keep us posted.

Steve

x2042002.50en.pdf

[JOE-DOT-COM]

hi

there are no earths on the rear lights

they use a permanent 12v feed to the lights and the rear body module switched the negative earth to each Bulb to bring them on

check the fuses, each cluster has two 12v feeds make sure you have both and as above, check there all clean and free from any corrosion

1 feed does indicator and reverse, the other feed does fog, side and brake lights, looks like you have lost one of the 12v feeds

cheers

Joe

[chris62]

hi joe, did`nt realise it was a permanent 12v feed, you are absolutely right, had a dodgy fuse, (number 44 in the boot if anyone has same problem), not blown as such, but corroded enough to make a difference, thanks for the help, alls well nowthe big cat is my friend again

chris.

[Carole Simpson-Hadley]

As always, Joe is spot on; we had a similar issue some time ago in our '07 S-type, BUT note that as the light cluster metal mounting frame is permanently live, should you inadvertently touch it on the frame of the car, fuse/s will blow.  We had exactly the same symptoms as yourself and fuse 44 had blown due to an inadvertent brush of the frame against the car.

Definite case of butter fingers (or Flora fingers if you are into low cholesterol!).

Happy growling

[Guest]

Doh!! Forgot the patently obvious -  ah well, advancing years and all that.

Now where did I put the thingamajig, whotsit?

[Quirister]

Many thanks for the help

 

[A11OGE]

Isn't the internet wonderful. As above "had exactly the same symptoms as yourself and fuse 44 had blown due to an inadvertent brush of the frame against the car. ".

Found fuse digram on the web, changed fuse. Jobs a good un.

Thanks chaps.