↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home > Technical > Rear Lights not working
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 1
Print this entire topic · 
Tom DCab



Member Since: 13 Jun 2013
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 33

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Oslo Blue
Rear Lights not working
Hello All,
I just tried to fit a LED rear number plate light. I used the original connector that the old number plate light was wired in to, behind the light cluster.
The light did not work, so I reversed the positions of the 2 cables, and it then worked briefly, but with no rear taillights working. The brake lights are not working either.
I have checked the fuses and 2 of the 10A fuses seem to have blown, so I have replaced these and checked all of the other fuses which seem to be OK.
I have noticed that the fog light carling switch is now illuminated all of the time, whether pressed or not.

Rear lights still not working (they are also LED and have worked with no problems for over a year)

I am a bit lost! Could this be a faulty relay?
Any advice greatly received
Thanks.
Tom
Post #387148 10th Jan 2015 8:02pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Fifth Horseman



Member Since: 08 Mar 2011
Location: Lanarkshire
Posts: 322

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
Check the earths, also check for frayed wires as something has caused the fuses to blow.
There are a couple of threads about this.
Post #387332 11th Jan 2015 10:10am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Tom DCab



Member Since: 13 Jun 2013
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 33

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Oslo Blue
Hi, thanks for replying.
I just fitted the old numberplate light back again and all ok now.
The old numberplate body has a metal base plate that attached to the plinth. The bolts go through the metal and secure to the bodywork. I am not an electrician but I am guessing this metal on metal contact through the light fitting is necessary to make the lights work properly.
The Led numberplate light does not have a metal base plate, so I am not sure how it is ever going to work...
Tom
Post #387343 11th Jan 2015 11:00am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Fifth Horseman



Member Since: 08 Mar 2011
Location: Lanarkshire
Posts: 322

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
It seems that your rear lights are earthing through the numberplate light plinth which is not how it should be. The earth circuit should be via the black wire to a separate earth connection (on the transfer box).
Check the earth connection on the transfer box that is referred to in this post.

Earlier land rovers had the earth as a separate connection to the body panel behind the lights.
Post #387403 11th Jan 2015 2:11pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
mk1collector



Member Since: 17 Sep 2009
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 6769

England 2004 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Bonatti Grey
Could try disconnecting tow electrics as they can short things out if they aren't well looked after
Post #387452 11th Jan 2015 4:26pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 19608

United Kingdom 
Yes, the towing electrics can cause all sorts of oddities to occur.
Post #387460 11th Jan 2015 4:55pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Jump to  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2024 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DEFENDER2.NET RSS Feed - All Forums