Disco 2 Fog Lamp - Electrical help please....

Hi, I am having an issue with the N/S Fog lamp on my TD5.
Just spent the last hour on it and am at a bit of a loss.

When I turn the fog lamps on the O/S one only illuminates. I have placed a multimeter across the wiring to the N/S one (At the bulb holder) which shows 12V when the switch is on and 0 when off. However whenever I put a bulb on it doesn't illuminate but goes straight to 0.... all the bulbs I've tried are good and working. I'm guessing its shorting somewhere but I don't understand how there is voltage there when I turn the switch on yet it won't illuminate the lamp??

As you can tell an auto-electrician I am not

Any advice would be gratefully received.........

Many Thanks

whereabouts in the shire of pigs are you?

If you're checking the voltage at the bulb holder end of the circuit and its got 12v, it must be something to do with the way the bulb sits in the holder.
Have you cleaned up the contacts, sounds like a rust issue

bulb shorting contacts when fitted, short across bulb etc. what bulb yu got fittrd? are both the same? swap bulbs and see what happens.

The Mad Hat Man said:

whereabouts in the shire of pigs are you?

Click to expand...

Hi, thanks for the quick replies

I'm down in Fareham

Just bought two new bulbs (Heavy duty, so the packet says....) They both illuminate when placed in the O/S connector but neither will illuminate in the N/S one..........

Have been cleaning the N/S one and tried all sorts of angles with the multimeter which gives a good 12v........ I've even run two pieces of wire from the connector as well which still gives 12v yet put a bulb on the end and nothing........

check earth continuity. you might have a high resistance between positive terminals. try a extra earth wire to a good earth point.

are we talking front or rear fogs?

Seems that your using a digital multimeter... put it away or use a resistor in line as digital meters can also show induced voltage.
Use the high resistance analog meter for testing vehicle voltage or use a bulb and a bit of wire which is the best/simplest way to check for voltage, it appears u don't have voltage on that paticular part of the circuit as that's what your doing, testing with a bulb.

Thanks Guys, I'll try the extra earth wire tomorrow (Am getting a vibe from the Mrs that I've spent too long tinkering with the car today....)

Sorry should have said it's the front Fog Lights

Yes using a digital multimeter - will try with the positive and a good earth on bulb.

Thanks Again

I've has this before with a number plate bulb.
It showed 12v at the bulb holder and adding an additional earth made no difference.

A new live feed sorted it