Brake light gone now indicator stopped working.

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Varley

New Member
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19
Location
Tunbridge Wells
After being informed that my offside brake light didn't work I checked it and replaced bulb. Still didn't work so have checked connections. These are a bit green so have sprayed wd40 and cleaned. Still not working but neither is the indicator in the same light unit now. Indicator was working prior to this. All other brake lights and indicators work, so are the corroded contacts causing a problem with both brake and indicator? Also I notice that the bulb holder is a ford part - does anyone know what model this is the same as because I reckon ford parts might be cheaper.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
For each bulb in the assembly, each bulb has two connections. +12v that goes to the "end" of the bulb (the pointy bit) when it is supposed to be lit. (ie, brake pedal, indicator switch etc). The +12v enters the bulb here but needs to complete the circuit by returning to earth (ie, eventually back to the -ve side of the battery). Each bulbs earth are normally commoned up via an aluminium or steel "track" that connects back to the earth pin in the connector. This then normally goes to he body of the vehicle, as the -ve side of the battery is also connected to the body and hence, the circuit is complete.

It is not uncommon for the earthing in the plug to get corroded with (sometimes) white powder corrosion or indeed, each bulbs connection can be corroded similarly.

I would start by ensuring that the earth connection (in fact all the connections) are as clean as possible in the plug connecting the assembly to the harness.

When this "common" earth fails, you will get faults similar to that which you are experiencing,
 
Thanks. I kind of understand! I am assuming that the earthing point for the bulb holders is behind the interior boot trim panel on the relevant side? Is this correct?
 
Not sure where the earthing point exactly is, as quite often, they run them a little way to common up with others as it saves having to drill too many holes in the body. You could follow the earth wire back. I would start with the bulb holding assembly and the various earths there though...
 
Ok if you have a look at the wires on the back of the lamp unit the wire for your brakes (green and violet) is shared with your centre brake light and nearside brake light so check with a multimetre for 12v at the conector with ignition on and brake pedal pressed. The earth point should be tucked behind the trim covering your offside main lamp unit.But before I go into anymore detail check your off side,side light works. If it does then it isn't an earth fault as indicator, brake light, and side light all share the same earth...
 
I Had a very similar problem on my gaylander found that damp was getting into the lenses try- ed the clean it up with wd40 but would work fine and then the same fault would occur ,this went on for bout a year, any-hows some **** ploughed into the back of ma gaylander so new rear bits including lights , faults completely gone, ok so i know this is a long winded way of saying it ,buy new lights it will save all the hassle as after a time they let in water :) :) :)
 
Thank's for the compliment Bullterrior........
Hey If you ever need any auto spark info give me a shout as I'm Jag/Landrover trained.
Only trouble is I have to fix the mechanical SH1TE to.....:doh:
 
Quick update. Managed to establish that it was the holders at fault and not earth or sockets by taking nearside holders and plugging into offside sockets. These both worked so this led me to deduce the offside holders being the problem. After cleaning contacts on indicator holder and applying petroleum jelly, this now works again. With the tail/brake light holder I did the same but now only the tail light is working (I have tried with a few bulbs to make sure it is deffo not the bulb). Have now found and ordered the relevant Ford part (£6 + postage) so will fit the new holder on arrival and report back with hopefully good news.

This is my first proper experience of the 'niggles' you get with being a Freelander owner - sure it wont be the last! I can only assume that the indicator connection was disturbed whilst I was checking the brake light, either that or was just coincidental timing. Cheers for all the pointers guys.
 
Excellent news!!! But believe me it's not just freelanders that suffer with taillight issues!!!! Most vehicles do at some point in there life..... It's usually down to the alloy casting used to make the bulb holder/circuit that react's with the metal on the bulb/bulb's causing a bad connection.
 
All resolved. Replacement parts working fine. Only downside was that the original indicator holder used a bulb with offset pins, new one needed straight pins. Couple of extra quid later and normal service is resumed.
 
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