Defender 300TDi - Rear / Brake Light Problems

I've had a trawl through this and a number of other forums but I've not found anyone (though there probably has been!) with the same problem.

Recently, since the clocks went back, I've noticed that my rear lights go off when I put my brakes on.

I've checked the fuse and that's ok.

Also, my reverse light (on the same fuse as above) is not working at all. Is there a link?

Thanks in advance!

Mo

Bad earth?

put you're clock forward an hour and see if they work ,,if so leave clock as is and get a watch :rolly: ps check earths

GATSO said:

put you're clock forward an hour and see if they work ,,if so leave clock as is and get a watch :rolly: ps check earths

Click to expand...

I was waiting for some one to say that, nice one. Lol

Very good!

Thanks anyway, will check earths!

Yep earths.

I had a similar problem, allthough it kept blowing fuses.

It was the bulb holders. Stuck new ones in and jobs a gooden.

Had odd issues with indicators too. Again bulb holders were the issue

Thanks!

Someone in work suggested it could be the brake pedal switch.

I disconnected it and it now stops doing it.

Will check bulb holders although they look quite new!

For everyone else, where are the earths located for the brake/rear lights?

Thanks,

Mo

The rear lights on mine are tricky to get the bulb aligned correctly. If it's not in exactly right the rear lights will go off when you brake. Try taking the bulbs out and refitting.

As to earthing, there's an earth contact in the bulb holder that should make a connection to the body with the fixing screw, but there's also a distinct earth wire that goes to an earthing point buried in the tangle of wiring behind the light covers inside.

Lovely, thanks FlyingPete!

Fixed loads of these, earth issue
Seen bulb holders corrode at plug pins or rusty plugs
Also check bulb holder for pin out or the two terminals in side arcing out on one another

Just to close this post, it was the rear light bulb holders that were giving the problem, well one of them!

Replaced it as it was shafted and all is now lovely and legal! :rolly:

Thanks Galvernisednuts!