reversing lights

[froggy]

Hi, my series 1 Xantia, when I put the car into reverse.......instead of the white reversing lights working.......the lights below glow !! how weird !! anybody help with this issue, many thanks Terry.

[Xantidote]

Has this only happened since you changed any rear lamp bulb? If so, check it's the correct bulb, fitted correctly.

My main suspects would be either a bad earth (try connecting a temporary wire from a good earth point), or some bulb has failed in one of the rear lamp clusters.

I'm not sure if we should also include the possibility of a break/short in the wiring harness where it passes through the flexible convoluted rubber sheath from the roof to the tailgate (others will have more experience of this). Initially, suggest you concentrate on the bad earth & failed bulb options first.

[Xaccers]

You mentioned in your other thread that you're getting water coming in the boot, I'd suspect it's water gremlins in the light units, so time to pop the units out and give the plugs a good clean with contact cleaner.
Also, if you're getting water coming in, it would be worth taking the furry panel off the boot and checking that the membrane behind it is still water tight. It should catch water and then let it out through the holes that go to the bottom edge of the boot, that is if yours is an estate.

[froggy]

Hi Xac, checked the electrical fittings........yellow plug that feeds the reversing light is brown with rust and soaking wet ! so are the pins on the bulb panel. will contact spray help or am I looking to fit new electrical plugs ? cheers Terry.

[Xaccers]

I'd blow it dry and see if you can gently clean up the contacts with a tiny file. As long as it's just surface corrosion you should be OK, it's when it starts weakening the contacts that you get problems.
Time to remove the furry panel and check the membrane me thinks if yours is an estate!

[froggy]

mines a hatchback Xac, does that make any difference ? cheers Terry.

[Xaccers]

mines a hatchback Xac, does that make any difference ? cheers Terry.

I'm not sure if the membrane is present or different in hatchbacks, I would imagine it's the same.