C5 3rd stop light (strip on the tailgate)

[pete-c5]

Hi Guys, wondered if you can help me.
l noticed the stop lights, well 2 out of 3 were not working, changed the bulb in the nearside one and that now works but the 3 stop light on top of the tailgate is not.

questions
1 how do l get to the back of it although l dont think its a bulb problem ?
2 is there a fuse for this light, l cant find one listed in the handbook?
3 there is a loom that comes out the car at the top and runs down the tailgate, l assume that one off the wires is for the stop light, any idea which one it is (colour), l have tried to check it but cant get any power as yet, l think there may be a break in the loom.

thanks Pete

[Peter.N.]

I think you will find the most likely problem is a broken wire between the tailgate and body. Prise out the grommets either end and you will probably be able to see where its broken.

Peter

[pete-c5]

Hi Thanks for that Pete, will have a look in the morning, but have you or any one got any idea what colour it is,

regards Pete

[Peter.N.]

No sorry - and I'm colour blind.

[pete-c5]

Well guys, spent 3 hrs messing about with this today and actually solved the problem, the wiring loom comes from the roof so you cant get at it if its broken, so tested for power at the light and sure enough it was there so the light has to be faulty. managed to get it apart (with great difficulty) and get the PCB out, to find 4 Resistors on the board had rusted out. (multi LEDs have to have sets operated by resistor to keep the power equal and all lights the same brightness).
went to Maplins and bought 4 new ones and fitted them, still no good, then l found that the water had got under the tracking on the PCB, so after tracing and repairing with bits of wire it now works fine

Happy New Year all

[Peter.N.]

Well done, reminds me of my days as a TV engineer.

Peter

[taffy]

good job!!

[pete-c5]

thanks guys, just forgot to say, had a quote of £90 for a new one this cost £1.40 for the resistors

and its a sealed unit you cant possibly take it apart !!!!!!!!!!!!! said the man at the garage

[taffy]

haha what a saving!!
im sure this will help alot of ppl too!!
well done!!!