Rear Lights and wind screen
Hi All,
I have a 300GD 1988.
I have just replaced a rear taillight and have noticed that I don't have stop lamps. I know the brake sensor works as if the lights are off and you push the pedal the normal lamp lights, but if the lights are on then the stop lamp circuit isn't working. I have indicators, but no reverse lights. As some of the lights work I assume it is not a grounding issue as they have a common ground. The fog lamp in the rear door doesn't work either. Generally the electrics on mine are pretty bodged by the previous owner. Any suggestions/anyone else had this issue?
Also, i have a leaking windscreen, i've had a look at some past threads but only seen one bit of advice which was basically bonding the screen in, i dont fancy this as I hope to complete a full restoration at some point in the future. Can anyone recommend either a easy fix or a garage/fitter that might be able to fix it?
Thanks in advance
Hagar
It may indeed be a grounding issue, where a poor ground cannot support all the load of more than a couple of lights being on at the same time.
Try with a new ground attached, or a long wire direct to the battery negative terminal.
As for the windscreen, I guess you are referring to the seal between the rubber and the body (rather than between the rubber and glass) ? You may be able to source some non-setting mastic compound from glaziers that will seal against water and still permit later removal. You could try silicone, but you will need to ensure that any and all traces of it are later removed prior to any re-painting.
eg:
http://www.caravan-components.co.uk/Sealants/Butyl-Mastics
I had exactly that with my lights. No fog light, no reversing lights. Swapped around bulbs etc...
Turned out to be a fuse..
you sometimes see this when driving behind old cars at traffic lights or junctions where a flashing indicator also causes the other lights in the cluster to dim or turn off when the indicator is on. Usual cause is a poor or corroded ground.
Even having checked the fuses, you might find that the contacts are not "good". Wouldn't hurt to just give then a bit of a spin in place to make sure that contact is made either end. From memory, it's the furthest to the left - quite a high amp fuse I think...
It does sound like a bad earth
Especially as you say brake lights work until lights are on
Make sure no one has put bulbs in wrong too
Put hazards on and sidelights and brake lights. Go to check rear of vehicle and see if all are working and not affecting each other
Check the metal spade connector is tight and clean and add a link to a good ground point like others have said
There are two earth posts at the rear of your G. One is external - just below the tow hitch and on the chassis and the second internal behind the rear panel at the top - near side (above the speakers).
Might be a good idea to give these a clean up and give the contacts a a dab of Vaseline.
Side/brake light bulbs need to be fitted the correct way round - if wrong tail light works when brakes applied.
Good luck.
Hi Arnie,
Thanks I will have another look, I'm pretty new to electrics so trying to learn as i go and I didnt know that grounds might not be able to support all the lights, i'll have a look and try the battery tip. thanks.
I dont thinkits a fuse, I did check them all and other things on the same circuit (horn) still work although looking at the state of the electrics someone may have moved it. I'll do some digging!
Thanks for the advice!