Brake lights and side lights (plus number plate light) fusing?

....by the way, thanks to 'k' as well for advising...!

Bob
July 2008

Hi John,
Well, I removed both rear bulb clusters, checked...and all the bulbs are correct & in their correct places...then checked the metal strips, for connection, corrosion or any breaks. Then, while still out of their sockets, I tested both clusters with pressing the brake pedal and guess what??? - the sidelights and number plate light DID NOT come on. GREAT. So, I put everything back, tested again and...OK. So I went on testing with the ignition on, engine running, etc...and still everything is OK now.
Well...I don't know what I did, but now everything is functioning as it should and I didn't do it. Anyway, maybe one or both clusters were stuck in a little bit out of alignment...but now it's alright.
Nevertheless, I still thank you for the prompt response and your willingness to help. At least in future I'll know where to start looking. Cheers again, John!!!

Bob
July 2008

could also be wrong bulb in one of the stop and tail light holders [have you changed one lately? ]

k
July 2008

John, you are a star!
Sadly, I will only be able to do these checks at the week-end, but for sure I'm going to report back to you of the success - or failiure - of these attempts. Cheers and have a good week-end...,may your favourite F1 driver win the German Grand Prix!

Bob
July 2008

Bob, in the lamp cluster, the outside of each and every bulb is connected together by a strip of metal that eventually finds its way to the plug in connector of the lamp unit. Obviously there are several of these strips - one for each bulb function so identifying which one is a bit awkward! Anyway, the earth strip, when you find it, eventually goes directly to the car bodyshell - but bear in mind there may not be an earth for each lamp cluster, just one common one so you'll really have to check both. Good luck!

John
July 2008

John, Thank you very much for your suggestions, I will try them.
Do you mean that the cable SHOULD connect the lamp cluster to the body? So I take it that there is a SINGLE cable connectiong ALL bulbs in the unit, Yes?
Many thanks again!

Bob
July 2008

Bob, this phenomena means that there is an earth fault in the rear lamp clusters somewhere...this is where the side of each bulb connects to the car body shell. Look around the lamp cluster and see if you can see a cable connecting to the bodywork and trace it back to the lamp unit. Also check that no one has forced the wrong type of bulb into the holders at the same time....a single terminal bulb put into a twin terminal holder also gives bizarre results.

John
July 2008