Faulty Tail Lights

Hey. iv found out a new fault with my freelander, it has faulty brake lights. I don't know whether this applies to all freelander's, just the facelifted model (which mine is) or just my landy. basically the brake lights in the bumper (where the indicator is a part of) don't work, the inicators and the high-mounted brake light near to the spare wheel work tho. When this first happenned i replaced the bulbs but now i have noticed they keep going out every few weeks. i had my suspicions about the boot door being slammed too hard and that knocking them out but after closing the door gently the problem still occurs. to fix it now i have to hit the side of the bumper, quite hard too, and the lights start to work again. Obviously this isn't very good for the bumper and lights, nor my hand, so i was wandering if any of you have experienced the same fault or know of a quick fix. I am reluctant to take it to my dealer 'cos they'l just take the mickey with the prices they charge. Cheers, Mark

Hi

Sounds like either a badly fitted fitting or an earth problem, you may even have a partially broken wire.

Charlotte

Hi, Have found this evening that the contacts inside one of my rear tail/brake bulb holders have rusted away and finally broken off... did you ever get yours fixed? Wondered if it is/was same issue....Chris

Sounds like a poor connection or earth problem ,ist unscrew both sides ,clean contacts of the bulbs using scotch brite, spray with a wd40 or contact cleaner , put bulbs back and re test, if this is a fail look at earth connections ,if you find any damp inside the fitting ,then this could be the start of the dreaded corrosion effect, common problem with lectrickery , its to do with different metals , could go further but this is a basic start, give it a try. . .Ming

Freelanders are designed to allow water ingress into the brake lights. This water ingress makes the connectors rust with the intention that connection is lost before the wire falls off. When it happens in this manner, the brake lights cease to function so the car behind you runs into the back of your vehicle but when inspected by the insurance companys engineer, it all looks tickety-boo.

Thus, the freelander is written off and you get a payout to enable you to buy a proper vehicle instead.

very interesting, i only see two things not quite right with it.
1) usually the car would have to be moving under its own power to be in a position to have another car rear end it.
2) if a freelander driver felt a bump from behind they would most probelly think it was someone pushing them again.

Slob mate,not being funny here ,but you never drive on made up roads, so stick to what you know . . .nothing,