Numpty help!

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COA

COA

New Member
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617
Location
Cheltenham
My nearside tail light is not working on my 90. I changed the bulb and the brake light is working but when I switch on the riding light or headlight it is not working and nor is the number plate light. I checked the fuse, my 1985 landy still has those glass fuses and it seems I have one fuse for the "left" side of the truck when it comes to "lights".

I removed the red rear light and pulled out the cables. The connectors all look clean and not corroded. Where from here? Should I buy a replacement rear light unit or do I cut off the connector and replace that?

How can I check that the electricity is getting down to the light or if there is a problem further forward? Sorry to be such a numpty.....
 
Probably earth related - it usually is - or a chaffed wire further back in the chassis.

The fact that your number plate light is out as well makes me think earth fault.

Multimeter or 12v test probe will check whether current is getting through.
 
Right the main issues with rear lights are

1 )faulty lamp holders or corroded earth screws
2) faults caused by steel bullet connectors-clean or replace
3) the loom on a series/defender travels down the right chassis rail from the engine bay.
A) the loom has rubbed through at front or rear exit points
B) the loom has rubbed through on body seam on rear lights on a defender lift rubber flap under rear wheel arch
C) the loom has rubbed through in internal chassis rail.


If you decide to remove it a strong abrasive resistant cord needs securely attaching before removing to pull it back in on refitting
 
i agree with fanatic , bulb holders rot like buggers ,also check all the connectors both sides behind the lights inside with tester or multimeter , might save you a bit of work. most were rotten on my 1987 90 when i got her .
 
I have tested the rear light unit using a voltmeter and there is no juice getting through either to the rear light unit or to the connector which splits the red wire into two one that feeds the rear light and one that I assume goes to the rear numberplate light.

I had a check of the loom, it is well wrapped up in electrical tape where it enters the chassis at the front and rear although along the rear cross member it is covered in cack and old waxoly so its hard to really tell what condition it is in. I had a good look and cant see anything obvious.

Before I go and replace it.....can someone just confirm that there is just one fuse for the right side which covers the front and rear light? The reason I ask is that both headlights are working so if I am right and there is only one fuse for the nearside "lights" then I can assume that it is not a fuse issue!

Thanks for any help
 
One last question - can some one clarify how the rear lights are earthed? I assumed it was the copper strip that is part of the rear light unit but I just read somewhere that the black cable is attached to the chassis - is that right? If so, where do I need to look to see if it is corroded?
 
inside your fuse box should tell you mate, have you tried using a piece of wire from one side connectors to the other light that works one at a time if it lights up then whichever wire your on at the time is the one thas failing .it worked on mine and meant i couldnt get lost with the wiring going under the back .
 
there is an earth in the bulb holder and i think also in the wiring ,i used the earth on the working side as i recall ,i could be wrong as it was a good while back and iv slept since then.
 
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