1990 230TE Auto Tail lights gone out..!

[AndySmells]

Hi all.

This ones a funny one! My 230TE has lost its drivers side tail light.
I've tried the switch on side, main and parking light position all to no avail.
The bulb is fine, there's voltage at the bulb holder but it won't light up.
Also, maybe related (?), the drivers side front fog light won't light up, again the bulb (H3 55W) is fine!

Proper head scratch / lets have a cup of tea / I'm off to the pub problem

Any ideas chaps?

 

[television]

If the center pin has 12 volt and the lamp does not light, the chances are that the ground (grounding to body) is poor, try a wire from any ground bolt on body-chassis to the metal suround of the lamp holder. with the bulb in you could confirm this as you would have +12v on the outer connection and the center.

Malcolm

 

[AndySmells]

Thanks for your reply!

I tested the continuity from the metal bulb holding strip in the rear light to the chassis and there's a good circuit there. I also ran a test lead from the bulb holder to the chassis just in case, but still no light!

I've cleaned up the conacts, both centre pin and bulb retainer with a bit of emery cloth. Interestingly, the voltage available at the centre pin of the tail light bulb holder has started to vary between about 3 and 9 volts!

Any idea as to what would cause that?!!

 

[television]

I think that you have a fuse for the lights, and that the fuse will be arcing. If this is the case clean them all with a switch cleaner( lubricant type) . be careful usung emery paper as it can remove the thin plating.
This is a known problem.

malcolm

 

[AndySmells]

Sussed it!

There's a multi pin connector behind the light unit fastened to the body work under the rear window. "Aha!" I said and prodded it with my finger whereupon it promptly fell apart. Cleaning and tightening the contacts and reassembly has brought the tail light and the front fog light back to life.

Many thanks for your input.

I now have the joy of figuring out why the drivers side door regulator won't hold the door open...

All the best, Andy.