Rear/Tail Lights out!

[fresco3000]

Hi Guys,

I'm having bit of trouble getting my rear lights back in action.

The indicators and brake lights work fine but I can't get the rear lights working.

So far I have replaced the bulbs, checked the fuses and checked the earth crowns with no luck.

Any suggestions?

[937carrera]

When you put the sidelights on do the front lights illuminate

Do you have access to a multimeter ?

[fresco3000]

Excuse my ignorance, the front lights work fine. No multimeter to hand.

[Cobra88]

make sure the rear light loom is still plugged in (inside the black box in engine bay)

mine was loose when I got my caravelle

Rick

[937carrera]

OK, so the switch and fuses are fine, a couple of things eliminated.

If it isn't what Cobra88 suggests (white plastic 7 pin connector), do you have any loose wire to make up a test bulb ?

[fresco3000]

Cheers Guys,

Checked the loom, all okay in there.

Probably getting beyond my diy abilities now.

[937carrera]

Do you have a length of wire or two to make up a test circuit ?

[fresco3000]

Possibly, will have a dig in the shed now.

What do I need to do?

[937carrera]

Run a feed wire from the loom to one of your tail light bulbs. Then earth the bottom of the bulb on the engine.

If it lights the wiring and bulb are good, time to start looking at the connectors

[937carrera]

http://syncrosport.com/info/wiring/

Download the GB wiring pdf - that'll help in identifying which wires are correct too

[Oldiebut goodie]

The earth for the rear lights is on the nearside of the engine bay isn't it ? - bolt through the bodywork job not one of the crowns. Wire off there most likely.

[937carrera]

Wiring diagram says it's underneath the coil

[Oldiebut goodie]

Not on a diesel it isn't! I've looked for this famed coil trying to get back to the future, hooking up the flux capacitor.
Should be the same place diesel or petrol. Easy enough to see a stud with a heap of wires attached to it.

[937carrera]

Well, that would be a special diesel with a coil, wouldn't it.

Here's a picture from the samba to illustrate - red arrow 5b



Full earthing point thread at https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewt ... p?t=548492

[Oldiebut goodie]

Yep - diesel one is in same place.
( One of those rust-free Californian vans I see )