No stop lights or reverse lights...

156JTD · 07-02-2003

A bit of help required please. My 2001 156 JTD has developed an unusual fault. Before taking it to the dealer I thought I'd try this forum for some advice.

Both my reverse lights and stop lights have stopped working!! I've had a look at the workshop manual which highlights these two components as being on the same sub-assembly 5550D - but that's it - no help on how to fix it. I've done the obvious things like checking bulbs. It can't be the fuse as the stop lights are on different fuses on each side.

I'm well and truly stumped - any ideas?

Nobby · 07-02-2003

One thing to try is disconnect the rear light unit(s) connector then reconnect it, it could just be a bad connection, or the other thing to do is bypass the brake switch by disconnecting it and joining the two wires together, switch ignition on and see if the stop lights work, if they do it be the brake switch, either needs adjusting or replacing.

Hope this Helps

Banflu · 07-02-2003

if nothing else helps, i'd disconnect the battery for like, 15 mins, to reset the ECU. there's nothing to lose after all

jomor · 07-02-2003

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by 156JTD:
I've had a look at the workshop manual which highlights these two components as being on the same sub-assembly 5550D - but that's it - no help on how to fix it. <hr /></blockquote>Seems like there is no ground connection back there...

Turn on the ignition key (without turnign on the engine) and put the reverse gear.
Remove a bulb and use a voltmeter to check if you have 12V in the central contact. If yes, you probably have bad grounding.

Bypassing the break pedal switch is a good idea, but id doesnt explain about the reverse gear lights.

Anyway dont worry much, its probably a bad connection.

Ivo · 07-02-2003

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by jomor:
 <blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by 156JTD:
I've had a look at the workshop manual which highlights these two components as being on the same sub-assembly 5550D - but that's it - no help on how to fix it. <hr /></blockquote>Seems like there is no ground connection back there...

Turn on the ignition key (without turnign on the engine) and put the reverse gear.
Remove a bulb and use a voltmeter to check if you have 12V in the central contact. If yes, you probably have bad grounding.

Bypassing the break pedal switch is a good idea, but id doesnt explain about the reverse gear lights.

Anyway dont worry much, its probably a bad connection.<hr /></blockquote>as an educated man I can only say: this is the way it should be done .... and make sure you connect the black wire of your voltmeter to a CORRECT ground

jomor · 07-02-2003

<blockquote>quote:<hr />Originally posted by Ivo:
as an educated man I can only say: this is the way it should be done .... and make sure you connect the black wire of your voltmeter to a CORRECT ground

<hr /></blockquote>Thanks Ivo, i forgot

(i believed, "use a voltmeter" includes all this

)

156JTD · 10-02-2003

cheers guys for all your suggestions... Looks like I have a dodgy connector somewhere.

I dropped it off at the dealer this morning and hopefully they should give me a call when they work out what's wrong.