Where's my brake lights gone?

isisalar · Post by **isisalar** » 02 Oct 2011, 14:41

It was pointed out to me recently that only my high level brake light is working. I've just changed the other bulbs & still no brake lights working,high level ok, sidelights ok.
Any suggestions anyone?
My rear height corrector mechanism was lubricated, & the o/side handbrake cable was replaced earlier this week, which may have some relevance.
Thanks.
Paul

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 02 Oct 2011, 17:46

Hi, My guess is the brake wire broken is the outlet which goes from car body to the tailgate

To be even more "specific", I guess it is the one on the right side.

EDIT: In mine the auxilary brake light didn't work because of the above described reason.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 02 Oct 2011, 17:48

Open the boot lid, gently pull back the rubber conduit on the passenger side and check in there for any breaks.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 02 Oct 2011, 20:19

As the problem is not with the central brake light I'm rather confused about the advice given in the above posts as the other two (non working) brake lights are on the car body so I presume the subject has been misread. Other than try another bulb change I'd get my volt meter out and start tracing back the earth and supply wires with the aid of a wiring diagram.

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 02 Oct 2011, 20:28

Ah I read it as the high level brake light was the one not working

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 02 Oct 2011, 20:34

Symptoms of reading disability

... Sorry.

Did you make sure it is a dual filament bulb?

Sl4yer · Post by **Sl4yer** » 02 Oct 2011, 22:01

Check the contacts on the car aren't oxidised. A good scrape with a screwdriver will usually provide a quick solution.

James

isisalar · Post by **isisalar** » 03 Oct 2011, 17:05

Thanks for the replies. I've had a look at the wiring where it goes into the tailgate and it looks ok, it also looks a very likely place for a break to occur. I am a complete duffer with electrics unfortunately.
Is there anyone within striking distance of north London that could help me with a diagnosis?
I could probably cope with replacing some cable but need to know which one etc.
Thanks
Paul
.

xantiasmiff · Post by **xantiasmiff** » 03 Oct 2011, 19:09

I had the same problem a while ago and it turned out that i had replaced the brakelight bulbs in the wrong holes ! Both had blown. Double check.

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 03 Oct 2011, 19:14

I'm willing to offer you a helping hand if you want to pop round, it shouldn't be too difficult to sort out.

Post by **CitroJim** » 03 Oct 2011, 19:16

DickieG wrote:it shouldn't be too difficult to sort out.

Says he, hopefully, fingers crossed....

isisalar · Post by **isisalar** » 03 Oct 2011, 19:23

Thanks for that.I'll be in touch.Can one pm here?
Thanks again
Paul

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 03 Oct 2011, 19:28

isisalar wrote:Thanks for that.I'll be in touch.Can one pm here?
Thanks again
Paul

Yes.