I've had an issue lately where my indicators would tick much faster than normal and would flash my by brake light instead whenever I indicate and brake at the same time.

I took a look at the light and the wiring harness which plugs into the back lighting panel and looks very burnt and has even melted some of the plastic wiring harness. The issue seems to be specifically to do with the black wire if that helps. I scraped some of the black soot off the terminals and that temporarily appeared to fix the issue.

However, now the problem is back again, and now I can't seem to get it working at all. I was going to replace the brake bulb but Halfords sold me the wrong one, and honestly it doesn't look like there is anything wrong with the bulb anyway.

Has anyone seen anything like this before, or have any recommendations for what I should do?

you need new connector

flisko said:

you need new connector

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Figured that may have been the case. Do you have any idea where I can find a replacement connector which will fit into the back lighting panel?

leejw00t354 said:

Figured that may have been the case. Do you have any idea where I can find a replacement connector which will fit into the back lighting panel?

Click to expand...

where are you based..??

down our way there are still a few scrapyards where you can cut a foot of cable from the lights wiring.., then splice into your cars loom,
definitely the better way of doing it..,


there is a question over how it got so burnt..??

Halfords..don't you just lovem..

you wouldn't mind IF they were cheap:bang:

Charlie - Oxford

Firstly if you haven't checked the other side do it. The black earth wire pins in the plug corrode and cause lights to behave erratically. As it gets worse the pins overheat and melt wires. Cleaning works if caught in the early stages. If only the black wire is affected a bypass will work. If the plug is badly burned junk it. Whatever you do make the new connections properly with quality automotive connectors and a proper crimping tool. Solder and heatshrink is an option but it has to be done properly. Bodged wiring is the most frequent cause of fires in cars and one breath of burning insulation gas will send your head spinning very fast.

Does my prob sound like it could be the same thing? I've got 54 reg 1.2, I started getting the bulb out light coming on when I pressed the brakes, started off intermittently but now it's pretty consistent. Then it developed into making the indicators speed up if turning left and braking at the same time. I've just had it serviced, brakes are all fine, he checked the back lights and said it all looks like new in there. From the outside all the lights work as you'd expect. Any ideas what's going on please?

Get the rear light clusters off and check the connector plugs. Odds are the black earth wire pin is corroded and if you're lucky a good clean will sort it. In advanced stages the black wire starts melting along with the plug itself and adjoining wires. Then you are looking at a replacement plug.
While the clusters are off you should open them up and check the bulb holder track for corrosion. A good clean won't do any harm. Avoid WD-40 and get a can of electrical contact cleaner.
This area is a frequent problem with these cars and should be checked every year or two.
For anyone buying this should be added to the list of things to check.

Good advice from Brendan there ^

I had the same problem with mine, bad earth on the rear light cluster.

I've also had it happen to my heater blower, was so bad that the plastic connector had melted together.

Earth connections are the cause of a lot of the electrical issues with the punto and are always my first go to if any gremlins appear.