Help With Weird Electrical Problem Needed

[ric220]

Morning all. I REALLY hope someone can help with a weird electrical issue on my

[chromedome]

Check the brake light bulbs. These are double element bulbs and sometimes an element breaks and bridges across to the other circuit.

 

So when you put your brakes on the lights come on and if you put your lights on this will put the brake lights on.

 

I would suspect the brake filament is bridging onto the light circuit and the inhibitor switch now thinks you haven't applied the brakes and prevents you moving the gear shift.

[ric220]

Many thanks for that. I'll check it later today and update.

[BrianH]

If that isn't it start looking in the boot that supplies the tailgate power (the drivers side one). Good chance you have broken wires in there shorting together.

[ric220]

Thanks. The brake light bulbs are ok as they're working but intermittently. I'll have a look at the boot wiring. If they are shorting how do I access more wiring so I can repair (I guess only a few cm's are visible)? Thanks a lot.

[sparky Paul]

If you pull the rubber gaiter to the tailgate back, you should be able to identify the problem if the wiring is at fault.

 

It is possible to bodge the wiring with insulating tape and/or soldering to get you away, but it will only be a temporary solution - the answer is the pull through some new flexible wiring to replace the old brittle stuff. Access is by removing the trim panels on the tailgate and inside the car.

[ric220]

Thanks Paul. I can feel a bodge coming on...

[BrianH]

tbh if you get in there you may well find its beyond the bodging state if its as much of a mess as mine was. Theres about 20 wires in that gaiter and almost every one of mine was damaged if not broken completely. Someone else had been in there previously as well and managed to melt the gaiter which wasn't helpful either!

 

Have a look that the right bulbs are in the sockets - if you take them out there should be two contacts on the base not just one!