Defender 90 brake light

Hi All,
Perplexed! My off side brake light will not work, unit quite tatty so replaced it as well as the back connector unit, still not working! I have 12v at the side light which works I also have 12v at the brake light bulb connector right to where the bulb sits but will not light. Put this unit and bulb on the other side it works OK both side & Brakes. Checked the earth return which registers OK, which is demonstrated by the side light working. I even rapped a wire round the bulb and run it straight to earth still no light so any other ideas would be welcome.

Have you checked the bulb?

REEVSY said:

Hi All,
Perplexed! My off side brake light will not work, unit quite tatty so replaced it as well as the back connector unit, still not working! I have 12v at the side light which works I also have 12v at the brake light bulb connector right to where the bulb sits but will not light. Put this unit and bulb on the other side it works OK both side & Brakes. Checked the earth return which registers OK, which is demonstrated by the side light working. I even rapped a wire round the bulb and run it straight to earth still no light so any other ideas would be welcome.

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12v at the connector does not mean there is enough current to light the bulb. Work your way back, using the old unit as a test light - start where the loom comes into the body at the off side. If its ok there, then the wire to the light unit has to be faulty.

zeaphod said:

12v at the connector does not mean there is enough current to light the bulb. Work your way back, using the old unit as a test light - start where the loom comes into the body at the off side. If its ok there, then the wire to the light unit has to be faulty.

Click to expand...

^^^^^ this is true, it once took me ages to try and work out why a numberplate light wouldn't work. I had 12v at the bulb holder but wouldn't light a bulb.

Ran a new feed and it was fine.

OK thanks all. Yes I even tried the bulb on the other side. I will now have to trace back the present wire and as suggested test at each point👍.

Had another go this AM and managed to get everything working! it was the great British bloody bullet connectors. I also, as a precaution added extra earth returns. I'm thinking of changing side lights and indicators to led bulbs any comments? Now I need a cup of Tea! which at 72 is all I can cope with!