Rear Christmas lights - fault.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mark&Wendy
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Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 11.11.2017  ·  #1
Plans today scuppered when I found that the rear indicators are coming on with the brake lights. I have already had the rear lenses replaced due to condensation but it has started again in two of the lamps. Most things point towards a dodgy earth but I can't help thinking that it has something to do with the moisture and a short circuit. All the rear lights can be traced to the front cab with no multi plug connectors or earthing straps visible. I'd love to fix it myself but looking like a visit to the dealers or maybe Fiat. Any advice appreciated.


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 11.11.2017  ·  #2
Make sure you have the correct bulbs fitted, and bring a definite earth to the cluster


Mark&Wendy
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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 11.11.2017  ·  #3
Thanks John, I did replace a front side light last year but the rear are originals. Think I will replace them all regardless. I'll haunt for the earths tomorrow.


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 11.11.2017  ·  #4
I dont think replacing the bulbs will solve the problem,
What i ment was to make sure that the correct bulb is in the holder,
I.e. single contact in single holder and double holder in double holder,


Years ago i had a Datsun Bluebird and i blew a bulb,
Not realising i changed the bulb and fitted the wrong one, result was when i pressed the brake the parking lights came on,

So if you replaced a bulb recently double check it


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Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 12.11.2017  ·  #5
Mark pull the covers off and fit a external wire to the body of the lamp cluster ,if there is a circuit board type of silver strips running around the cluster there will be one connected to all the bulb holders this is where to put the external earth wire ,the other end to somewhere on the chassis or down to the tow-bar , make sure you get a good contact ,if they work properly you will then have to check the the earth wire going to the whole cluster. if there is a plug in block on or at rear of the lamp light assembly you could be correct about the moisture .
If the wire connections are push on spade type , are they tight ,is there any green mold .


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 12.11.2017  ·  #6
Thanks Martin, I'll try that tomorrow. Checked again today, in addition to the brake lights putting both rear indicators on, putting either indicator on causes both rear indicators to flash and just to confuse things, the hazard lights won't light either of the rear indicators and shows a fault light on the dashboard. 😡


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 12.11.2017  ·  #7
Have you a tow bar fitted by any chance with a light plug?


Mark&Wendy
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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 12.11.2017  ·  #8
No, no towbar.


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 12.11.2017  ·  #9
No bother, that rules out a problem with the wiring going to the trailer lights


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 13.11.2017  ·  #10
I did as Sprinter suggested and made up an additional earth wire. Bingo all lights working as they should. Now I just need to trace the brown wire (that seems to be earth) to find the fault. Hope the rain stays away.


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 13.11.2017  ·  #11
You are probably better to run a new earth wire into your lamp units than ripping the existing harness apart to find the fault. It will be difficult to strip the harness without cutting an existing wire and also the job of re taping the harness to weather proof it is hardship.
You can use the earth of your leisure battery as it is looped to the engine battery, especially if the leisure battery is mounted at the rear.
Malcolm


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 13.11.2017  ·  #12
Thanks everyone, but it was easier than I thought once I crawled under the van with a good torch. Unbelievable, all the earth wires from the rear lights attached to the chassis just behind the rear wheel with a self taping screw covered with a dollop of silicon. Of course it had come loose. Removed it and attached it to a purpose made earthing bolt just beside it. The threads were a little damaged, probably the reason for the botched job beside it. All working again thanks to Motorhomecraic. Cheers.
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on Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 13.11.2017  ·  #13
Quote by Mark&Wendy

Thanks everyone, but it was easier than I thought once I crawled under the van with a good torch. Unbelievable, all the earth wires from the rear lights attached to the chassis just behind the rear wheel with a self taping screw covered with a dollop of silicon. Of course it had come loose. Removed it and attached it to a purpose made earthing bolt just beside it. The threads were a little damaged, probably the reason for the botched job beside it. All working again thanks to Motorhomecraic. Cheers.


There you go,your are officially now among the motorhome fixers, :D great result. :up:


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 13.11.2017  ·  #14
Well done. You have saved yourself from been robbed of €50 by a garage .
Thanks for posting your results.
Malcolm


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Re: Rear Christmas lights - fault.

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Posted: 13.11.2017  ·  #15
nice one! nice sense of reward from solving it i'd say!


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